The ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 has already seen a lot of drama both on and off the field. Days after the India-Pakistan controversy ended, fresh accusations were leveled against the tournament co-host BCCI and the defending champions.
Namibia captain slams ICC, claims India getting special treatment in T20 World Cup 2026
Ahead of the Group A match on February 12 in Delhi, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus has sparked a fresh controversy by openly questioning the International Cricket Council (ICC) and suggesting that India is being given special treatment in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Erasmus raised concerns about training facilities, saying that Namibia did not get night practice sessions before their match against India on Thursday, while the hosts have reportedly had two night training sessions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
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The Namibia captain also said that teams like Canada were allowed night practice too, raising fresh debate about whether all teams are being treated fairly by the ICC at the T20 World Cup.
Gerhard Erasmus not happy with ICC
Gerhard Erasmus was quoted as saying by the New Indian Express: “We haven’t been given night training before this game; I don’t know why. I think India has 2 night trainings, and I see outside Canada has a night training. Make of that what you want, but we’ll just rock up and do our Namibian way, which is to fight.”
We haven’t been given night training before this game, I don’t know why. I think India has 2 night training, and I see outside Canada have a night training. Make of that what you want, but we’ll just rock up and do our Namibia way, which is to fight. – Namibia captain Erasmus
— Sa. Gomesh | ச. கோமேஷ் (@SaGomesh) February 11, 2026
Notably, Namibia had a disappointing start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, losing their opening match against the Netherlands by 7 wickets on February 10 in Delhi. Their remaining group fixtures are against the USA on February 15 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and Pakistan on February 18 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
India gears up with intense nets before Namibia clash
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is focused on their own campaign. After their narrow win over the USA in their first Group A match, the Men in Blue held a high-intensity two-hour training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium before their next games against Namibia and Pakistan (February 15).
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The practice session was intense and very planned. Pacers and spinners trained separately, focusing on their own plans to handle the slow and tricky pitches expected in Colombo, where they will face Pakistan in the much-awaited clash on Sunday.
Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah return to nets
In a big development, Washington Sundar returned to the squad after recovering from a side injury and bowled a long spell in the nets. Sundar’s return strengthens the team and gives India more options in bowling.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson also spent extra time in the nets, working hard against spin. He focused on improving his technique for slower pitches. There is another boost for the defending champions as Jasprit Bumrah returned to training and bowled at full intensity after missing the first match against the USA because of illness. Bumrah is likely to play against Namibia.
