“If you are really a good team, then…” - Former Pakistan great challenges India

Team India is set to face Australia in the semi-final of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 on 4 March in Dubai. They dominated the group stage, winning all three of their matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Along with them, New Zealand also progressed to the semi-finals from Group A, while Bangladesh and Pakistan were eliminated.

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Despite being the primary host of the tournament, Pakistan had a disastrous campaign. They lost to New Zealand and arch-rivals India, managing only one point from a rain-abandoned match against Bangladesh. 

While the India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the most anticipated clashes in world cricket, Pakistan’s recent performances have raised concerns about its competitiveness. Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq, however, dismissed the idea that the rivalry has lost its charm. 

Speaking on 24 News HD, he challenged India, saying: "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, then let's play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan—everything will be clear."

“We can give solid answers to the world and India as well” - Saqlin Mushtaq

He acknowledged Pakistan’s current struggles but remained optimistic about a turnaround with better preparation and 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," he added.

However, a bilateral series between the two nations seems unlikely, given the long-standing political tensions. India and Pakistan only face each other in ICC tournaments and multi-nation events. With no signs of a policy change, Saqlain’s challenge is unlikely to materialise anytime soon. 

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In the last 20 matches between India and Pakistan across all formats, India has won 15 times, while Pakistan has managed just four victories, with one game ending with no result. These numbers highlight India's dominance and consistency in this historic rivalry.

Among Pakistan’s four wins, two stand out as their most significant victories—one in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval, England, and the other in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai, where they defeated India for the first time in a World Cup match. 

However, they have struggled to build on those moments, failing to gain momentum and beat India regularly. This inconsistency has left Pakistani fans frustrated over the years, as their team has often fallen short in high-stakes encounters against their arch-rivals.

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