Once more, the mounting conflict between India and Pakistan finds expression in the cricketing realm, this time around with relation to the Champions Trophy 2025. The choice India made to withdraw from the tournament and avoid visiting Pakistan has sparked a heated argument since the cricketing greats of Pakistan expressed their displeasure.
OSaqlain Mushtaq, one of Pakistan’s most esteemed spin bowlers, has been among the most ardent opponents of India’s position. WiWith over 496 international wickets under his belt, Mushtaq was unreserved in his criticism of the Indian cricket squad and the nation’s general handling of the matter. Speaking with a local news source, the former spinner voiced his dismay at India’s Champions Trophy withdrawal and their difficulties with visa permissions for the game.
Background: India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy has generated a great deal of debate.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to relocate all of India’s scheduled matches to Dubai, in accordance with India’s preference. Should India advance to the semi-finals and championship game, such events will also take place in Dubai, far from Pakistan’s boundaries.
IndIan 2008, India made its last trip to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.Since then, India has not participated in any series on Pakistani territory due to the tense political relations between the two nations. The last bilateral series between the two countries came under the 2012–13 season.
But Butushtaq especially felt let down by India’s posture. In his interview, Butushtaq described India’s behavior as irrational, stating that their “tantrums just don’t end.” The former spinner argued that India’s measures are stifling such events, even as she expressed sympathy for the Pakistani fans who long to see stars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in action. “I don’t know which world they are living in and what they want to achieve,” he said, questioning when India would show wisdom and maturity. When will they grow wise and intelligent?
MMushtaqlso pointed out how India presents itself as a civilized country and questioned the idea that speaking English and donning a tie would make one seem more polished. Mushtaq argues that Pakistan should firmly oppose India’s posture and even advise that it teach India “a valuable lesson.”
But Butushtaq’s irritations go beyond cricket. He also shared a personal story about his visa application to India. As part of his consulting work with the New Zealand cricket team during their trip to India, the former player hoped to visit the country. Recounting how he had to spend hours at the consulate in Leicester just to have his visa status remain in flux for months, he said the visa application procedure was embarrassing and unpleasant.
“The treatment I received during the visa application process was disappointing,” Mushtaq stated, outlining that he was made to stand in line for hours even though he booked an appointment online and waited for weeks. “The whole encounter made me ashamed. Seeing how my efforts went ignored demoralized me. After the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made an offer, I eventually opted to revoke the visa application; however, the Indian authorities still paid my fee without acknowledging it.”
The political scene as well as the sporting scene, where both India and Pakistan have a stellar cricketing past, is still impacted by issues of visas and diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Mushtaq’s remarks highlight the mounting annoyance many Pakistanis experience as the argument about India’s avoidance of interacting with their neighbors gets more heated.
The political divide between the two countries seems to be influencing the direction of cricketing events as the Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, therefore leaving fans on both sides feeling unsure and with unsolved issues.