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Virat Kohli and Babar Azam CT2025 Photograph: (X)
Noted former Pakistani star player Saqlain Mushtaq has thrown a daring gauntlet towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Saqlain has asked BCCI to resume bilateral series with Pakistan. The two sides last played bilateral cricket series in 2012, when Pakistan visited India for a 3 ODI and T20I series tour.
Speaking to 24 News Channel, the former spin legend said, “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, I think let's play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs and 10 T20Is against Pakistan, then everything would become clear.”
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Saqlain Mustaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) 🗣️
— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 1, 2025
"If you (India) are truly a good team, play 10 Test matches, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against us, and it will become clear which team is the best."
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India and Pakistan last played a Test series in 2007, which Anil Kumble’s side went onto with a 1-0 margin. Both sides have ceased playing cricket with each other due to the political tensions. Team India had decided not to tour Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and the current Champions Trophy tournament. Pakistan reciprocated the move by showing their unwillingness to play in India in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Saqlain Mushtaq to replace Aqib Javed as new coach?
According to various reports coming out of Pakistan, there is a good chance that Saqlain Mushtaq could become the new coach. Aaqjb Javed, who had replaced Jason Gillespie late last year, could be given the axe. The move comes after Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament.
Qadir Khawaja posted a message on his Twitter handle that read, "Saqlain Mushtaq is the favorite candidate for the position of head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Saqlain Mushtaq is likely to be appointed as the coach for the New Zealand series. A meeting between Saqlain Mushtaq and PCB Chairman concluded a short while ago. Saqlain Mushtaq has accepted the offer to coach the Pakistan team.”
Former India coach Gary Kirsten was named the white-ball coach of Pakistan. But Kirsten decided to step down after disagreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Jason Gillespie, who was the Test team coach, also walked away from his post. Gillespie had led Pakistan to a Test series win at home against England and also the ODI series win in Australia.