Prove you are better: Saqlain challenges India
Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has thrown a major challenge to India after Pakistan's crushing defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Speaking on a private TV channel, the former cricketer said, "If the Indians are so confident that their team is better than Pakistan, they should play 10 Tests, 10 One-Day Internationals, and 10 T20 matches to prove it."
He acknowledged that while political differences between Pakistan and India should be kept aside, the Indian team does have some very talented cricketers and is performing well.
However, Saqlain Mushtaq also admitted that the current Pakistani team is not perfect but stressed that these issues are not beyond fixing. He added, "If we prepare properly, we can still defeat India and other teams."
Saqlain further noted that despite the inclusion of several former cricketers in the Pakistan cricket team, board, and management, there has been no noticeable improvement in the team's performance.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistan, hosting the ICC event on home soil for the first time in 29 years, was eliminated from the tournament after two heavy losses in their first two matches. Their final group match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving them without a win and ending their campaign.
Babar unlikely to make T20 squad for NZ tour
Babar Azam will miss his spot in Pakistan's T20I squad against New Zealand, which is scheduled to start from March 16. Pakistan will play three T20Is and five ODIs against New Zealand.
Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan are currently facing a lot of criticism after their Champions Trophy 2025 fiasco. Despite hosts Pakistan was among the first team to get disqualified from the mega event after losing their first two group stage matches against New Zealand and India respectively.
After getting out from the Champions Trophy, Pakistan are scheduled to travel to New Zealand for the white ball series that includes three T20Is followed by five ODIs.
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam faced a lot of criticism for his slow knock against New Zealand and for his dismal performance against India.
As per Cricket Pakistan, Babar Azam is unlikely to be part of Pakistan's T20 squad for the tour. Discussions have also begun regarding senior players taking a break from the series. However, no final decision has been made regarding Babar Azam's inclusion in the ODI squad.
The report also added that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management has decided to include young players in the T20 squad for the New Zealand tour.
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