Former Pakistan World Cup winner Saqlain Mushtaq has given his opinion on the ongoing fiasco as the spinner was part of the epic rivalry between India and Pakistan where Wasim Akram, Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar and others shared a bond of mutual respect with Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Ajay Jadeja and Rahul Dravid.
Saqlain Mushtaq believes that the rivalry between India and Pakistan has fallen apart
Over the years, the rivalry between India and Pakistan has been filled with friendship off the field. From Javed Miandad playing Holi with Sunil Gavaskar, to Virat Kohli hugging Mohammad Rizwan after Pakistan defeated India for the first time in a World Cup match, it was a sight to behold. Even Shaheen Shah Afridi sent a gift to Jasprit Bumrah when the latter’s son was born. However, things have changed lately.
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During the ‘Game On’ show, Saqlain Mushtaq said: ‘I don’t think those things [the old spirit of the game] come back because things have gone too far. On the other hand, they don’t want it to return; they have kept it that way specifically to polish their own politics and will continue to do so.”
Saqlain Mushtaq was surprised to see former India cricketers lashing out at Pakistan over its T20 World Cup stance. After the events of Pulwama in 2019 and Pahalgam in 2025, hatred between them has grown.
The former Pakistan spinner said: “Recently an ex-cricketer – I won’t name him because it doesn’t feel right – was asked about Pakistan and spoke about their integrity and respect.”
Politics has taken over cricket
He replied, “Look, before I say anything, how can those who have no respect to begin with talk about respect? I mean, use some common sense! What kind of petty things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are expected to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero.”
Saqlain Mushtaq said: “The politicians do what they do – they play their politics. But you [former cricketers] shouldn’t talk like that. Don’t you understand? When you hit a boundary or take a wicket, everyone claps – from this side and that side. You just don’t seem to get it. I say they need some sense on the other side of the border; they should speak more intelligently.”
India dominates Pakistan
Saqlain Mushtaq finally concluded by saying, “Even the great ex-cricketers there say such strange things and spread hatred. They don’t understand the purpose of this game. Cricket conveys a message of peace and unity.”
India vs Pakistan generates the most revenue for the ICC as it generates twice as much money from sponsorship, broadcast rights and ticket sales. The rivalry between India and Pakistan has been one-sided in recent times as the Men in Green are winless in their last five encounters against their arch-rivals in all competitions.
Also read: India vs Pakistan drama: BCCI breaks silence after Pakistan government backtracks on T20 WC boycott
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