Credit: ICC
Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has thrown a challenge towards India. In the fifth match of the Champions Trophy 2025, India pummelled hosts Pakistan by six wickets at the Dubai International Stadium and continued their dominance against their neighbours in ODI cricket, which is going on for the last six years. The humiliating defeat played a vital role in Pakistan’s early exit from the competition. Following India’s scintillating win, there are discussions in the cricketing circle whether the rivalry between both Asian sides is fading as the Men in Green have consistently failed against their neighbours.
Appearing on Pakistan’s 24 News HD channel, Saqlain expressed his desire to find out which side is superior in this rivalry. He said India have an excellent team and they are playing good cricket. However, he also went on to challenge the Men in Blue to play 10 matches each against Pakistan in cricket’s all three formats. "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," said former Pakistan bowler.
Pakistan will look to forget their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign at home
Pakistan’s next assignment will be in New Zealand where they will play white-ball series against the Kiwi side from March 16 to April 5. The Green Shirts will square off against the Black Caps for five T20Is and three ODIs. New Zealand have delivered a headache to Pakistan in recent times with their success in the tri-series held in Pakistan and opening Champions Trophy 2025 match in Karachi.
Ahead of the New Zealand series, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might take stern action against their players following their disastrous campaign in the ongoing 50-over tournament. Senior players such as captain Mohammad Rizwan Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf failed to fulfill their responsibility which led to their team’s failure in the mega ICC event.
