Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq has slammed former India cricketers for their comments and accused them of spreading hatred. His words came amidst the recent controversy after Bangladesh was removed from T20 World Cup 2026 and Pakistan announced boycott of their match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh.
After weeks of uncertainty, Saqlain's remarks were made on the day when the India vs. Pakistan match was once again scheduled. After tense talks with the ICC on Monday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finally gave in and requested that its cricket team face India in Colombo on Sunday.
“Recently, an ex-cricketer—I won’t name him because it doesn’t feel right—was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect. He replied, ‘Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect?’ I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero!” Saqlain said on the Game On Hai show.
“The politicians are doing what they do—they are playing their politics. But you guys [former cricketers] shouldn’t talk like this. 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 a bit more intelligently,” he continued.
“Even the big ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don’t understand the purpose of this game. Cricket delivers a message of peace and unity. I remember when we went to play the ‘Cricket All-Stars’ in America; the fans had stitched flags together to make one giant flag. In the middle, the Indian and Pakistani flags were joined, with Indians and Pakistanis standing together,” Saqlain said.
Saqlain went on to explain why India and Pakistan no longer share the same off-field friendship. He also lashed out at comments that India was the primary money spinner for world cricket.
“I don’t think those things [the old spirit of the game] are coming back because things have gone too far. On the other side, they don’t want it to return; they have kept it this way specifically to polish their own politics and will continue to do so.
Look, money flows and gets distributed, and every other day they come out and say, ‘This is what we earned and gave to the ICC; you are eating while we are earning.’ They act as if others have nothing at all. They’ve been talking like this every few days, and their arrogance has grown so much,” he stated.
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“Nafrat faila rahe hain” - Saqlain Mushtaq slams ex-Indian cricketers for their comments before IND v PAK T20 WC clash
BCCI prohibits players' families from joining Team India during T20 World Cup 2026 to maintain focus and biosecure bubble, similar to past major ICC events. Decision aims to eliminate distractions amid packed schedule and high stakes.
Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq has slammed former India cricketers for their comments and accused them of spreading hatred. His words came amidst the recent controversy after Bangladesh was removed from T20 World Cup 2026 and Pakistan announced boycott of their match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh.
After weeks of uncertainty, Saqlain's remarks were made on the day when the India vs. Pakistan match was once again scheduled. After tense talks with the ICC on Monday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finally gave in and requested that its cricket team face India in Colombo on Sunday.
“Recently, an ex-cricketer—I won’t name him because it doesn’t feel right—was asked about Pakistan talking about their integrity and respect. He replied, ‘Look, before I speak, those who have no respect to begin with, how can they talk about respect?’ I mean, use some common sense! What kind of narrow-minded things are you saying? You are an ex-cricketer. Players are supposed to be heroes and stars, and stars shine for everyone. Heroes belong to everyone. At least try to act like a hero!” Saqlain said on the Game On Hai show.
“The politicians are doing what they do—they are playing their politics. But you guys [former cricketers] shouldn’t talk like this. 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 a bit more intelligently,” he continued.
“Even the big ex-cricketers over there are saying such strange things and spreading hatred. They don’t understand the purpose of this game. Cricket delivers a message of peace and unity. I remember when we went to play the ‘Cricket All-Stars’ in America; the fans had stitched flags together to make one giant flag. In the middle, the Indian and Pakistani flags were joined, with Indians and Pakistanis standing together,” Saqlain said.
Saqlain went on to explain why India and Pakistan no longer share the same off-field friendship. He also lashed out at comments that India was the primary money spinner for world cricket.
“I don’t think those things [the old spirit of the game] are coming back because things have gone too far. On the other side, they don’t want it to return; they have kept it this way specifically to polish their own politics and will continue to do so.
Look, money flows and gets distributed, and every other day they come out and say, ‘This is what we earned and gave to the ICC; you are eating while we are earning.’ They act as if others have nothing at all. They’ve been talking like this every few days, and their arrogance has grown so much,” he stated.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!