"If they don't want to come, it doesn't matter" - Saqlain Mushtaq on India potentially not traveling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 

Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq had a pretty blunt reply to the reports of Team India potentially not traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. Pakistan has been named as the host of the Champions Trophy 2025, but India have shown their hesitance to travel there since 2008 due to security concerns.

However, Mushtaq believes it shouldn't matter whether the Men in Blue will come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy or not. He trusts the ICC will take the right measures to ensure that the tournament is a success.

Here's what Saqlain Mushtaq was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan:

"It's simple. If India wants to come, they can. If they don't want to come, it doesn't matter. There's no point in making a fuss about it. This won't make either party good or bad. This is ICC's event, and they will look into this matter, as they should."

Pakistan were initially the hosts of the 2023 Asia Cup, but Team India refused to travel to Pakistan due to which a hybrid model was accepted with Sri Lanka as co-hosts. The Men in Blue played all their games in Sri Lanka.

According to reports, a similar hybrid model could be used for the Champions Trophy with the Men in Blue playing their games in either Sri Lanka or the UAE.

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Saqlain Mushtaq on Babar Azam's captaincy future

Saqlain Mushtaq also gave his opinion on Babar Azam's captaincy future after Pakistan crashed out of the T20 World Cup in the group stage. Several former cricketers and cricket experts have called for Babar's sacking.

However, Mushtaq feels the decision makers within the team management and the selectors should take charge and keep long-term goals in mind. He stated (as per the aforementioned source):

"Many people are saying that he [Babar Azam] should quit captaincy and play as a regular player. But all these voices are coming from outside, from people who are watching and listening to things from the outside. These are comments from outsiders. We shouldn't listen to the voices of those outside. The people inside, who are observing the situation from within, should see what’s really going on and decide who is capable of leading the team effectively."

Saqlain Mushtaq gave the example of how Shaheen Afridi was sacked as captain after only one series and felt there needed to be long-term backing for whoever held the position.