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In this exclusive interview, former Pakistan opener and legendary all-rounder Mudassar Nazar shares his strong opinions on the political manoeuvring behind the India-Pakistan clash, the instability plaguing the Pakistan team, and the ICC's unfair revenue distribution. The 76-Test veteran reflects on the pressure of facing India, the "silly selections" hurting the current side, and the silence of the cricketing world regarding Imran Khan's health — and much more.
Key revelations include:
• ICC revenue critique: "Pakistan must get a major share" - Mudassar expresses relief that the match is proceeding despite months of uncertainty. He criticizes the BCCI’s influence over the ECB and Cricket Australia, arguing that Pakistan deserves a larger share of the revenue generated by these matchups. He suggests the ICC should implement a $50 million fine for any country or government that pulls out of a tournament.
• Pressure of India clash: "That game we lost... I have not watched the highlights" - He notes that players on both sides try to "blank out" the noise, but the pressure from fans—especially those living and working together in the UAE—makes losing unthinkable. Mudassar admits he still cannot bring himself to watch highlights of the low-scoring loss to India in Sharjah years ago.
• Team instability: "We're not a settled team" - A major point of contention is Pakistan's unsettled lineup. He characterizes the middle order as unpredictable because players are not being utilized in their natural positions.
• Babar Azam debate: "He's not made to play like that" - Mudassar argues that playing Babar Azam at #4 is a mistake; he believes Babar must either open or bat at #3 to be effective.
• Selection blunder: "We have a quality mystery spinner... not in the team" - While Pakistan’s strength lies in its spinners, Mudassar warns that the Indian lineup is packed with aggressive left-handers who excel against spin. He laments the exclusion of "mystery spinners" like Sufyan, noting that teams like India and Afghanistan have successfully integrated such bowlers while Pakistan has failed to develop them.
• Silence about Imran Khan: "There have been instances where people have suffered" - The interview concludes with a somber discussion on former captain Imran Khan's imprisonment and reported health issues. Mudassar expresses disappointment over the lack of public support from former teammates, attributing their silence to the current climate of fear and political instability in Pakistan.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
Key revelations include:
• ICC revenue critique: "Pakistan must get a major share" - Mudassar expresses relief that the match is proceeding despite months of uncertainty. He criticizes the BCCI’s influence over the ECB and Cricket Australia, arguing that Pakistan deserves a larger share of the revenue generated by these matchups. He suggests the ICC should implement a $50 million fine for any country or government that pulls out of a tournament.
• Pressure of India clash: "That game we lost... I have not watched the highlights" - He notes that players on both sides try to "blank out" the noise, but the pressure from fans—especially those living and working together in the UAE—makes losing unthinkable. Mudassar admits he still cannot bring himself to watch highlights of the low-scoring loss to India in Sharjah years ago.
• Team instability: "We're not a settled team" - A major point of contention is Pakistan's unsettled lineup. He characterizes the middle order as unpredictable because players are not being utilized in their natural positions.
• Babar Azam debate: "He's not made to play like that" - Mudassar argues that playing Babar Azam at #4 is a mistake; he believes Babar must either open or bat at #3 to be effective.
• Selection blunder: "We have a quality mystery spinner... not in the team" - While Pakistan’s strength lies in its spinners, Mudassar warns that the Indian lineup is packed with aggressive left-handers who excel against spin. He laments the exclusion of "mystery spinners" like Sufyan, noting that teams like India and Afghanistan have successfully integrated such bowlers while Pakistan has failed to develop them.
• Silence about Imran Khan: "There have been instances where people have suffered" - The interview concludes with a somber discussion on former captain Imran Khan's imprisonment and reported health issues. Mudassar expresses disappointment over the lack of public support from former teammates, attributing their silence to the current climate of fear and political instability in Pakistan.
Watch full interview with Saj here:
