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Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has launched a scathing attack on India over its decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, suggesting that the country needs to be taught a “sabak” (lesson) for its stance.
Due to security and political concerns, India and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) declined to send their team to Pakistan, leading to the adoption of a hybrid model in which India will play its matches in Dubai. Despite an agreement between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI, the situation has led to tensions between the cricketing boards.
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Saqlain’s Harsh Remarks on Indian Cricket
Speaking on a Pakistani TV channel, Saqlain appeared agitated when asked about India’s refusal, accusing them of making unnecessary “chu-chu cha-cha” (noise and tantrums) and attempting to block Pakistan’s progress.
“Chu-chu cha-cha lagayi hui hai inhone, inke naaz nakhre khatam nahi hote (they are creating a ruckus, and their tantrums don’t end).”
Saqlain also expressed disappointment that Pakistanis still admire Indian cricketers, saying:
“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. 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 praising them. Our kids want to see Kohli and Bumrah play, but their tantrums don’t end).”
Saqlain’s Visa Controversy & Frustration with India
Saqlain further revealed his personal experience while trying to obtain an Indian visa when he was appointed as a spin consultant for New Zealand during their tour of India in November 2024.
He claimed he faced delays and humiliation despite having official documentation from both the Indian and New Zealand cricket boards.
“They made me sit in a queue for four hours. I felt embarrassed and disappointed. I had approached several people to process my visa, but I was repeatedly told that it was ‘in queue’. The status remained the same for three months, and I eventually had to cancel my application after taking up a new role with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).”
Saqlain criticized India’s approach to cricket diplomacy, questioning whether they will ever change their mindset.
“Pata nahi yeh kaunsi duniya mei reh rahe hain aur kya karna chaah rahe hain. Kya yeh hamesha issi tarah rahenge? Inhone kab sudharna hai, kab inka mindset change hoga? (I don’t know in which world they live and what they want. Will they always be like this? When will they improve and change their mindset?)”
Calls for ICC to Take Action Against India
The 48-year-old concluded by urging the ICC to intervene and Pakistan to take a strong stance, emphasizing that India should be “taught a lesson.”
“They have a bizarre attitude. The ICC should look into this, and Pakistan must take a firm stand. Inko sabak sikhana chahiye (They should be taught a lesson).”
As tensions between India and Pakistan cricketing boards continue, it remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold in the coming days.
