NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has thrown down the gauntlet to Team India, challenging them to play a 30-match bilateral series across formats against Pakistan to truly prove their superiority. His remarks come after India’s commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group stage in Dubai.
Mushtaq, speaking on 24 News HD, acknowledged India’s dominance but suggested that a full-fledged bilateral series would be the real test. “If we keep political things aside, their (Indian) 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 become clear,” Mushtaq said.
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India and Pakistan have not faced each other in a Test match since 2007 due to political tensions, while their last T20I meeting also ended in India’s favour at the 2024 World Cup in New York. Mushtaq believes Pakistan, with the right approach and preparation, can compete strongly against India in such a contest.
“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,” he added.
The challenge comes amid a disappointing campaign for Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy. Hosting an ICC event for the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup, Pakistan suffered a humiliating group-stage exit without a single win. In contrast, India have stormed into the semi-finals, reinforcing their dominance in global cricket.