Pakistan’s legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has criticized India and its national cricket team, expressing disappointment over their stance on the Champions Trophy 2025 and visa procedures. Mushtaq, who picked up 496 international wickets for Pakistan, shared his views in an interview with Pakistan’s 24 News, urging his country to take a strong stand against India.
Notably, India has decided not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, citing security concerns. As a result, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved Dubai as the venue for all of India’s matches in the tournament.
Meanwhile, if India reaches the semi-finals and final, those matches will also be played in Dubai. The last time the Indian cricket team visited Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup, and the bilateral series between the two nations have been disrupted since 2012-13 due to political tensions.
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‘By wearing a tie and talking in English, you think you have become civilised?’ – Saqlain Mushtaq Mocks Team India ahead of IND vs BAN
Speaking to Pakistan’s 24 News, Saqlain Mushtaq lashed out at India’s stance, stating that Pakistan should respond firmly.
“Their tantrums just don’t end. We are singing their praises. Children here want to see Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Every child here wants to see them in action, but their tantrums just don’t end. I don’t know in which world they are living in and what they want to achieve. When are they going to be intelligent and wise? When will they open their hearts? By wearing a tie and talking in English, do you think you have become civilised? Pakistan should take a firm stand and teach them a lesson,” Mushtaq said.
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‘They made me wait in queue for four hours’ – Saqlain Mushtaq on India’s long visa process
The former off-spinner also alleged that he faced harassment while applying for an Indian visa during the New Zealand’s tour of India, where he was set to serve as a spin consultant for the Black Caps during the three-match Test series.
“I booked online (visa appointment) from Leicester where I live and got an appointment two weeks later. They made me wait in queue for four hours. I felt a bit embarrassed and I was disappointed as well for the treatment being meted out to me,” Mushtaq revealed.
Furthermore, Mushtaq also claimed that his visa application remained unanswered for months despite multiple follow ups.
“You won’t believe how many people I approached (to get my visa processed). They kept telling me it’s in the queue to get processed. The status remained the same for three months. In the meantime, I got this offer from PCB. So I refused the visa. They (Indian authorities) took the fee as well and did not even acknowledge,” he added.
Saqlain Mushtaq’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate over India-Pakistan cricketing relations. India and Pakistan will next lock horns on February 23 for a thrilling match in the Champions Trophy 2025.
