Saqlain Mushtaq, a former spinner for Pakistan, made harsh comments on India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, claiming that the country needs a "sabak" (lesson) for its "attitude" and referencing a recent personal experience.

The Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to send the team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Instead, India will play their matches in Dubai as part of a hybrid arrangement. Pakistan is the tournament's official host.

An agreement to end the impasse was achieved following extensive discussion between the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and BCCI.

Speaking on a Pakistan TV channel, Saqlain Mushtaq got agitated when the anchor asked him about the various issues raised by India, alleging it was attempt to create roadblocks for the host nation.

"Chu-chu cha-cha lagayi hui hai inhone, inke naaz nakhre khatam nahi hote (they are creating a ruckus, and their tantrums don't end).

Aur hum abhi bhi gunn gaa rahe hain inke. Hamare bache kehte hain Virat Kohli aa jaye, Jasprit Bumrah aa jaye, hum usse dekhna chahte hain. Pakistan ki taraf se minnate ho rahi hain. Har bacha inko dekhne chaah raha hai par inke nakhre khatam nahi ho rahe (we are still singing their praises; our kids want to see Kohli Bumrah play, but the tantrums are not ending),” Saqlain said.

He continued by relating a personal story in which he claimed to have been harassed when trying to obtain an Indian visa while working as support staff for the New Zealand team.

"I will tell you my own experience. Ahead of the India-New Zealand series that happened recently (November 2024), where New Zealand whitewashed them 3-0, maar ke aaye inko (thrashed them), I was New Zealand's spin (bowling) consultant before being appointed as a mentor by the PCB," Saqlain said.

Five months before (the tour), I received a letter from the Indian cricket board as well from the New Zealand cricket board for (Indian) visa. I booked (an appointment) online from Leicester (England) where I have my home, and got an appointment for two weeks later.

They made me sit in a queue for 4 hours. I felt a bit embarrassed, and I was disappointed as well for the treatment being meted out to me. They said you have to be in line...You won't believe how many people I approached (to get my visa processed). They kept telling me 'queue mei laga hua hai' (it's in queue to be processed)," he recalled.

"The status remained the same for three months. In the meantime, I got this offer from PCB. So, I refused the visa, and they took the fee as well and did not even acknowledge. It ended there,” Saqlain revealed.

The 48-year-old former spinner continued to criticize India for refusing to change its position about not playing in Pakistan.

"Pata nahi yeh kaunsi duniya mei reh rahe hain aur kya karna chaah rahe hain. Kya yeh hamesha issi tarah rahenge? Inhone kab sudharna hai, kab inka mindset change hoga? (don't know in which world they live and what they want. Will they stay the same? When will they improve? When will their mindset change?).

They have a bizarre attitude. I think the ICC should look into it, and Pakistan should take a firm stand. Inko sabak sikhana chahiye...” Mushtaq concluded.

Here is the video: