Pakistani Cricket Legend Calls for “Firm Stand” Against India’s Decision to Skip Matches in Pakistan
February 20, 2025: Former Pakistan spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq has launched a scathing attack on India and the BCCI, accusing them of showing “tantrums” over their decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Instead, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved Dubai as the host for all of India’s matches, including potential semi-finals and final.
Saqlain Mushtaq’s Strong Remarks
Speaking on Pakistan’s 24 News, Mushtaq criticized India’s stance, arguing that Pakistan should take a firm stand in response.
🗣️ “Their tantrums just don’t end. We are singing their praises, children here want to see Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah play, but their tantrums just don’t end. I don’t know in which world they are living and what they want to achieve.”
🗣️ “By wearing a tie and speaking in English, you think you’ve become civilized? Pakistan should take a firm stand and teach them a lesson.”
Also Read: Champions Trophy: Hosts Pakistan Loose Opening Match Against New Zealand by 60 Runs
Ongoing India-Pakistan Cricket Tensions
- India last played in Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup but has since avoided tours due to political tensions.
- The last bilateral series between the two nations was in 2012-13, and since then, they have only met in ICC events and Asia Cups.
- With India’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches moved to Dubai, the possibility of an Indo-Pak clash in Pakistan is officially ruled out.
Mushtaq’s Allegations on Indian Visa Issues
Saqlain also claimed that he faced harassment while applying for an Indian visa during his appointment as a spin consultant for New Zealand’s tour of India.
🗣️ “I booked an online appointment in Leicester, but they made me wait for four hours in line. It was embarrassing. They took the visa fee and didn’t even acknowledge my application. After three months, I gave up and took the PCB offer instead.”
What’s Next?
With India playing its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, tensions between the two cricketing nations continue to escalate. Meanwhile, Pakistan cricketing voices, including Mushtaq, are demanding a strong response from the PCB.
📌 Will this controversy affect future Indo-Pak cricketing ties, or will it remain a diplomatic standoff?
📢 Stay tuned for more updates on the Champions Trophy 2025 and Indo-Pak cricket relations!
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INDvsPAK, ChampionsTrophy2025, IndiaPakistanCricket, BCCI, SaqlainMushtaq, CricketPolitics, IndoPakTensions, CricketNews, PCB, ICCChampionsTrophy