Saqlain Mushtaq Criticizes India’s Refusal To Travel Pakistan; Warns Rohit Sharma’s Army For Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s former spinner, Saqlain Mushtaq, has made a blistering remark on the Indian side for the Champions Trophy, noting that the blue brigade should be taught a lesson for their attitude. The BCCI wrote to the ICC and PCB to inform them their decision of not to make a trip to the other side of the border.

Pakistan is the official host of the Champions Trophy, but the Blue Brigade will play all of their games at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Mohammad Rizwan-led side will fly to Dubai and face the arch-rival on February 23.

“India’s tantrum doesn’t end”- Saqlain Mushtaq

The ICC discussed with both the BCCI and the PCB, and they came to the final statement that both sides won’t host each other in the next few ICC events, as all of the games will take place in the hybrid model. That means the blue brigade can’t host the Pakistan side for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2029 Champions Trophy.

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Saqlain Mushtaq was present on a Pakistan TV channel, where the anchor asked him about the various issues raised by the Indian side, alleging the attempts to block the road for the home nation.

“Chu-chu cha-cha legacy hui hai inhone, ink naaz nakhre khatam nahi hote (they are creating a ruckus, and their tantrums don't end). Aur hum abhi bhi gunn gaa rahe hain inke. Hamare bache kehte hain Virat Kohli aa jaye, Jasprit Bumrah aa jaye, hum usse dekhna chahte hain. (And we are signing off their players, as most of our lads want to see Kohli and Bumrah)” The former off-spinner expressed on the show.

Pakistan ki taraf se minnate ho rahi hain. Har bacha inko dekhne chaah raha hai par inke nakhre khatam nahi ho rahe (we are still singing their praises; our kids want to see Kohli and Bumrah play, but the tantrums are not ending).” Saqlain Mushtaq added.

Ex-Pakistan spinner experienced harassment in India

The Lahore-born spinner went on to crack a personal experience where he faced harassment during his attempt to get an Indian visa as a part of New Zealand’s spin coach for the trip in 2024, where the Blackcaps thrashed the home side by a 3-0 margin.

“I will tell you my own experience. Ahead of the India-New Zealand series that happened recently (November 2024), where New Zealand whitewashed them 3-0, maar ke aye inko (thrashed them), I was New Zealand's spin (bowling) consultant before being appointed as a mentor by the PCB.” Saqlain Mushtaq revealed.

“Five months before (the tour), I received a letter from the Indian cricket board as well from the New Zealand cricket board for (Indian) visa. I booked (an appointment) online from Leicester (England) where I have my home, and got an appointment for two weeks later.” The veteran spinner was highlighted during the interaction.

He reckoned that the authorities kept him waiting for nearly four hours. Despite approaching a few people, the matter wasn’t solved.

Saqlain Mushtaq lambasts India for not traveling to Pakistan

The 48-year-old spinner went on to criticize the Indian side for their stance of not traveling to Pakistan. He questioned the blue brigade’s mindset.

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“I don't know in which world they live and what they want. Will they stay the same? When will they improve? When will their mindset change? They have a bizarre attitude. I think the ICC should look into it, and Pakistan should take a firm stand.” Saqlain Mushtaq concluded.

In the history of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan is ahead of the Indian side with a winning margin of 3-2.