The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is questioned due to recent performance disparities, as highlighted by India’s decisive win over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. Saqlain Mushtaq, a former Pakistan cricketer, challenges India to a series of 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is to determine true superiority, emphasizing that, aside from political issues, India boasts strong players. Despite turmoil in the Pakistan team, including changes in leadership and structure, Saqlain believes that performance issues can be resolved with the right preparation. Currently, India only faces Pakistan in global tournaments, with no bilateral matches on the horizon.
Is the rivalry between India and Pakistan still regarded as the most intense in world cricket? While history might suggest so, a significant disparity has emerged in the performance of both teams over the past few years. When India and Pakistan faced off in the ICC Champions Trophy group stage, India decisively outplayed Pakistan, eliminating them from the tournament. The recent outcomes from their encounters imply that the rivalry might be waning. Nevertheless, Pakistani legend Saqlain Mushtaq refuses to accept this conclusion just yet.
During a discussion on the 24 News HD channel, Saqlain challenged India, proposing that they play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan to determine who truly is the superior team.
The legendary spinner remarked, “If we set aside political issues, their players are exceptional, and they have been executing good cricket.”
“If you genuinely consider yourselves a strong side, I suggest we play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan, and the results will clarify everything,” he continued, speaking in a panel that also featured former Pakistan captain Inzaman-ul-Haq.
Saqlain Mushtaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq)
“If you (India) are indeed a strong team, compete in 10 Test matches, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against us; it will elucidate which team is the best.”
— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 1, 2025
Numerous changes have transpired within the Pakistan team in recent years. From captaincy to the selection committee, management, and board officials, every key position has witnessed the arrival and departure of numerous significant figures. However, the issues plaguing the team have largely remained unchanged.
The gap between high performance and underperformance has also widened during this time. Saqlain acknowledged that the current state of the Pakistan team is far from ideal, but he believes it can be remedied with the right attitude.
“If we can get our preparation right and address the issues constructively, we will reach a point where we can provide solid answers to both the world and India,” said Mushtaq.
Currently, Team India faces Pakistan only during global tournaments, with no prospects for bilateral series on the horizon.
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