Pakistan legends react to proposal: Play India in bilateral series across formats, urge other boards to prevent players from participating in IPL

The response from former Pakistan cricketing legends following the national team's premature exit from the Champions Trophy has ranged from bold challenges to solemn calls for change. Saqlain Mushtaq has thrown down the gauntlet to India, proposing a bilateral series across all formats, while Inzamam ul Haq has urged cricket boards to reconsider sending players to the IPL. The emotions expressed by these former stars have varied from the outrageous to the heavy-hearted, illustrating the deep disappointment and pain felt by all those invested in Pakistan cricket.

Saqlain, the champion off-spinner who has also remained head coach of the Pakistan team, said on a TV channel that while India has a very good outfit Pakistan's recent losses to them are because of the absence of bilateral cricket between the two countries.

"If India wants to prove it is superior to the Pakistan team I suggest they play a bilateral series of at least 10 Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals on home and away basis. We will know the real strengths of both teams when playing against each other," he said.

Saqlain said since India and Pakistan faced off rarely it was difficult to do long-term planning and beat their traditional rivals.

"India is a better side no doubt but I think it is only in a proper long bilateral series will we know how good India is against us."

Former captain Inzamam said that India's recent growth and success was because of the IPL, in which top players from across the world participate.

"You can understand how much that has benefited Indian cricket. Their younger players are getting exposure and polishing themselves and learning how to deal with pressure playing against or with the top players.

"In contrast, Indian players are not allowed to play in any other league and this means that while India has developed its cricket, other sides are falling behind."

Inzamam urged other boards to not send their players to play in the IPL.

Pace legend Wasim Akram made it clear that he was not interested in a permanent coaching job with the Pakistan team because of his other commitments.

"But when have I ever said I am not available to help the players, the board in any other way free of cost. Having seen the way some of our former players, especially Waqar Younis, have been treated in the past when they were with the team and board, I don't want that sort of disrespect at my age," Akram said on his Champions Trophy show.

Former opener Mohsin Khan, who has worked as interim head coach and chief selector, said the performances of the team will only improve when Pakistani coaches are given proper time and respect.

"I have faced this situation. There are people on the board who try to shift blame on the coaches, players when the team doesn't perform well. There is no patience and there is no respect shown for the background of local coaches," Mohsin said.

He recalled how the PCB removed him as coach and chief selector midway during a series to bring in a foreign coach after the team had won a series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England and was developing well.

Pace great Waqar Younis agreed that whoever the PCB brings in on the support staff or as head coach, he must be allowed to complete his tenure.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

ICC Champions Trophy , ICC Champions Trophy Schedule , and Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table – stay ahead with real-time match updates, team standings, and insights. Check live cricket score , player stats, and ICC rankings of top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli . Get expert analysis, match previews, and in-depth coverage of ICC CT 2025, IPL 2025 Schedule and IPL 2025, all on HT Crickit, powered by Hindustan Times – your trusted source for cricket news along with India vs New Zealand Live Score. .freemium-card h4{color:#fff; padding-bottom:20px;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{padding-bottom:16px; color:#fff;} .freemium-card .freemium-content{width: auto; max-width: inherit;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{max-width:inherit; font-size:18px; padding-top:0; line-height:24px} .freemium-card .btnSubc{margin} .freemium-card .btnSubc a{background:#000; color:#fff; min-width:auto; padding:5px 15px; border-radius:6px; font-size:16px; line-height:22px; font-weight:700;} .freemium-card{height:285px} @media (max-width: 767px) { .freemium-card h4{font-size:28px} .freemium-card .freemium-content{max-width:360px; padding: 20px;} .freemium-card{height:303px; background-position: 100% 0; } }