ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Saqlain Mushtaq threatens Rohit Sharma's India - "Inko sabak sikhana chahiye"

Legendary Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has lashed out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their tantrums in the lead-up to the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Saqlain Mushtaq criticized the BCCI for their refusal to play in Pakistan, calling it unnecessary drama.

Mushtaq has boldly said that the BCCI and India should be taught a lesson for their attitude as he slammed their tactic to avoid traveling to Pakistan for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India had declined to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing security concerns and political tensions.

Saqlain Mushtaq calls for ‘Lesson’ to India over ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tantrums

After months of discussions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had to agree to a ‘Hybrid Model,’ moving all of India’s matches to Dubai while the rest of the tournament remains in Pakistan. Despite this, Pakistani fans are signing fans for Indian superstars like Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, and this didn’t go down well with the legendary spinner.

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Saqlain Mushtaq said on Pakistan’s 24 Digital: “They are creating a ruckus, and 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.

He added, “I don’t know in which world they are living 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 taking in English, you think you have become civilized. They have a bizarre attitude. I think the ICC should look into it and Pakistan should take a firm stand. Inko sabak sikhana chahiye.”

Saqlain Mushtaq slams India over ‘Horrifying’ visa experience

Meanwhile, Saqlain Mushtaq shared his embarrassing and horrifying experience of trying to get an Indian visa, highlighting the strained relations between the two cricketing nations. He was set to travel to India as New Zealand’s spin consultant for their three-match Test series last year. However, due to visa issues, he could not join the Black Caps on India tour, which they eventually won 3-0.

Sharing his experience, Mushtaq said, “I booked an online visa appointment from Leicester, where I live, and got an appointment two weeks later. They made me sit in queue for four hours. I felt a bit embarrassed, and I was disappointed as well for the treatment being meted out to me."

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He signed off by saying, “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 it.”

BCCI ko Sabaq Sikhana hoga. Saqlain Mushtaq #saqlainmushtaq#inzimamulhaq#BCCI #24newshd pic.twitter.com/OCrCcrHiym

— iffi Raza (@Rizzvi73) February 18, 2025

India vs Pakistan rivalry set to revive in Dubai

Notably, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 got underway on February 19 with hosts and defending champions Pakistan facing New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi.

On the other hand, the Indian cricket team will begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. The arch-rivals India and Pakistan will face each other in the prestigious tournament on February 23 in Dubai.