Saqlain Mushtaq, the legendary spin bowler from Pakistan, criticized India and its cricket team over their decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, citing visa process issues. Following India’s refusal, the ICC decided to host all of India’s matches in Dubai. Mushtaq lamented the strained relationship, highlighting that children in Pakistan wish to see Indian stars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah play. He urged Pakistan to take a stronger stance against India and shared his own difficulties in obtaining a visa to visit India for his role with New Zealand’s cricket team, expressing frustration over the treatment he received.
Pakistan cricket team during Champions Trophy 2025.© AFP
Saqlain Mushtaq, the legendary spin bowler from Pakistan, has voiced criticism towards India and its national cricket team. Mushtaq, who achieved over 496 international wickets for Pakistan, shared his discontent during an interview with a local news channel regarding India’s position on the Champions Trophy 2025 and its visa procedures. It is important to note that Team India has chosen not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Consequently, the International Cricket Council has designated Dubai as the venue for all of India’s matches in the tournament. Should India advance to the semi-finals and finals, those matches will also take place in Dubai.
The last time the Indian cricket team traveled to Pakistan was for the Asia Cup in 2008. Since then, the team has refrained from visiting the country due to escalating political tensions between the two nations. The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan occurred in 2012-13.
In light of these circumstances, Mushtaq has urged Pakistan to adopt a strong stance against India. He shared his views during a conversation with Pakistan’s 24 News.
“Their tantrums seem never-ending. We continue to praise them. Children here look up to Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Every child here wants to see them play, but the tantrums just persist. I am baffled by the world they inhabit and what they aim to achieve. When will they display some wisdom and understanding? Just wearing a tie and speaking in English does not make you civilised. Pakistan must take a firm stance and teach them a lesson,” stated the spin legend.
Mushtaq also accused India of making his visa process troublesome while seeking permission for his travel for New Zealand’s tour. The Black Caps had appointed him as their spin consultant for a series that included three Test matches.
“I scheduled my visa appointment online from Leicester, where I reside, and was given an appointment two weeks later. They made me stand in a queue for four hours, which was both embarrassing and disappointing given the treatment I received,” Mushtaq recounted.
“You won’t believe how many people I reached out to in order to get my visa processed. They kept saying it was in the queue awaiting processing.”
“The status remained unchanged for three months. Meanwhile, I received an offer from the PCB, so I declined the visa. The Indian authorities accepted the fee but didn’t even acknowledge my application,” Mushtaq added.
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