🏏 India vs Pakistan: A Rivalry Under Scrutiny
📅 Updated: March 2, 2025: Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has thrown down the gauntlet to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), challenging them to play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan to determine the stronger team.
Mushtaq’s statement comes after India’s dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which has led many to believe that the historic rivalry is no longer as competitive as it once was.
🔥 What Did Saqlain Mushtaq Say?
Speaking on 24 News HD, Mushtaq acknowledged India’s strong cricketing performances but insisted that a comprehensive bilateral series would reveal the true depth of both teams.
🗣 “If we keep political things aside, their players are very good, and they have been playing good cricket. But if you are really a good team, let’s play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan—then everything would become clear.”
Mushtaq also emphasized that if Pakistan can get its preparation right, they could once again become a dominant force in world cricket.
🗣 “If we get our preparation right and sort out things in the right direction, then we will be in a situation where we can give solid answers to the world and India as well.”
📉 Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 Disaster
Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 was disappointing:
🏏 Lost to New Zealand by 60 runs
🏏 Lost to India by six wickets
🏏 Match vs Bangladesh was washed out
➡ Bottom of Group A with 1 point in 3 matches
➡ Eliminated in the group stage
As a result, Pakistan finished either 7th or 8th overall in the tournament, marking one of their worst-ever performances in ICC events.
🤔 Will BCCI Respond?
Given the current political tensions between India and Pakistan, a full-fledged bilateral series is highly unlikely. India has refused to play Pakistan outside of ICC tournaments due to diplomatic reasons.
However, India has dominated recent encounters, including:
✅ 2023 World Cup: India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets
✅ 2022 T20 World Cup: India won by 4 wickets (Virat Kohli’s iconic knock)
✅ Champions Trophy 2025: India secured an easy win
With India continuing to dominate and Pakistan’s recent struggles, Mushtaq’s challenge might remain just a war of words.
📢 What Do You Think?
Would you like to see India vs Pakistan in a long bilateral series? Or do you think the rivalry has lost its intensity? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇🏏🔥
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#INDvsPAK, #CricketRivalry, #SaqlainMushtaq, #BCCI, #PakistanCricket, #ChampionsTrophy2025, #CricketNews,