Saqlain Mushtaq Dares India: 'If You're Really Good…'

Pakistan's early exit from Champions Trophy 2025 marks their third consecutive early exit from a major white-ball ICC tournament.

Mushtaq admitted that Pakistan team is facing challenges but stressed that these issues can be resolved with the right intent.

Source : PTI

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has issued a bold challenge to Team India following Pakistan's early exit from ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He suggested that if India considers itself a truly strong team, it should agree to play a series of 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan.

Saqlain Mushtaq's open challenge for Team India

Speaking on 24 News HD, Mushtaq said, " If we keep political things aside, their players are very good, and they have been playing good cricket."

"If you are really a good team, I think let's play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs and 10 T20Is against Pakistan, then everything would be 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

Mushtaq admitted that Pakistan team is facing challenges but stressed that these issues can be resolved with the right intent.

"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.

Pakistan's struggles in ICC Tournaments

Pakistan had a disappointing campaign in ICC Champions Trophy, suffering defeats against New Zealand by 60 runs and India by six wickets. Their final group-stage match against Bangladesh was washed out due to rain, leaving them at the bottom of Group A with just one point.

This marks Pakistan's third consecutive early exit from a major white-ball ICC tournament, following their group-stage eliminations in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Their batting woes continue, with the team playing 161 dot balls against New Zealand and 147 against India.

India-Pakistan bilateral series debate

The possibility of an India-Pakistan bilateral series remains a topic of discussion. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar recently commented that such a series could only take place when there is peace at the border. While cricketing fans on both sides eagerly await the revival of this iconic rivalry, political tensions remain the biggest hurdle.