Saqlain Mushtaq throws an open challenge to Team India vs Pakistan; dares them to do this despite shameful CT

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq issued an open challenge to the BCCI after the Men in Green's embarrassing exit during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Mushtaq stated that if India are really a good cricketing team, they should prove it by competing in a full-fledged bilateral series against Pakistan.

India secured a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. Many fans and experts have started questioning whether the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is overrated, given Pakistan's struggles against India. Notably, Pakistan have managed only one ODI win against India since the 2015 World Cup.

Saqlain Mushtaq Challenges India to Face Pakistan in Bilateral Series

However, Saqlain Mushtaq said that Pakistan have the potential to become a strong side in international cricket. Speaking on the 24 News HD channel, the former spinner challenged India to play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan, which would settle the debate over which team is superior.

“If we keep political things aside, their players are very good, and they have been playing good cricket,” Saqlain Mushtaq said.

“If you are really a good team, I think let's play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs and 10 T20Is against Pakistan, then everything would become clear,” he added.

Saqlain Mustaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) 🗣️

"If you (India) are truly a good team, play 10 Test matches, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against us, and it will become clear which team is the best."

pic.twitter.com/wa0k1uoxS8

— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 1, 2025

India have secured a spot in the semis with a game still left in the group stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a disappointing exit from the tournament. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side lost to New Zealand and India, while their final group-stage match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain.

We Can Give Solid Answers to the World and India - Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain Mushtaq believes that Pakistan can become a dominant team if they focus on proper preparation. He said that Pakistan would be in a position to make a strong statement on the global stage, including against India.

“If we get our preparation right and sort out things in the right direction, then we will be in a situation where we can give solid answers to the world and India as well,” said Mushtaq.

Earlier, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also shared his thoughts on an India-Pakistan bilateral series. He stated that such a series could only take place if there is peace along the borders between the two nations.

Pakistan to Face New Zealand in Next International Assignment

Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, finished at the bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches. They lost to New Zealand by 60 runs and India by six wickets. This was their third consecutive early exit, following similar group-stage eliminations in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Pakistan's next international assignment is a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, set to begin on March 16 in Christchurch. They will also play a three-match ODI series during the tour. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must appoint a new head coach in place of interim coach Aqib Javed.

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