Pakistan spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq launched a scathing attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), accusing them of playing political games ahead of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai.
Expressing his frustration on live television, Mushtaq criticized the BCCI‘s handling of the tournament and recounted a personal experience of visa harassment when attempting to travel to India last year.
Speaking on Pakistan’s 24 Digital, Mushtaq shared how he was allegedly mistreated while trying to secure an Indian visa in 2024. Having been appointed as a spin consultant for New Zealand ahead of their Test series against India, he was expected to travel but ultimately couldn’t due to visa complications.
“I booked online (visa appointment) from Leicester where I live and got an appointment two weeks later. They made me sit in queue for four hours. I felt a bit embarrassed and I was disappointed as well for the treatment being meted out to me,” Mushtaq recalled.
Detailing his ordeal, he added, “You won’t believe how many people I approached (to get my visa processed). They kept telling me it’s in the queue to get processed. The status remained the same for three months. In the meantime, I got this offer from PCB. So I refused the visa. They (Indian authorities) took the fee as well and did not even acknowledge.”
The friction between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the BCCI had already been brewing in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. India, citing government clearance issues, refused to play in Pakistan, demanding a neutral venue instead. While the PCB opposed the hybrid model, they ultimately had to accept the ICC’s decision to shift all of India’s matches to Dubai, following concerns over security in Islamabad.
Mushtaq, however, did not hold back in his criticism of India’s cricketing authorities. He lashed out at what he called their “never-ending tantrums,” contrasting the admiration Pakistani fans have for Indian cricketers with what he sees as India’s indifference.
“Their tantrums just don’t end. We are singing their praises. Children here want to see Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Every child here wants to see them in action, but their tantrums just don’t end. I don’t know in which world they are living in and what they want to achieve. When are they going to be intelligent and wise? When will they open their hearts? By wearing a tie and talking in English, you think you have become civilised? Pakistan should take a stand and teach them a lesson,” the former cricketer stated.
With emotions running high and the historic India-Pakistan clash looming, Mushtaq’s fiery remarks have only added fuel to an already intense rivalry, setting the stage for a highly charged Champions Trophy encounter.
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Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @Saqlain_Mushtaq
