Shoaib Malik asks India to play in Pakistan, urges BCCI to keep politics out of sports

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has addressed several key cricket issues, including PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's comments on a major team overhaul, recent NOC denials for Pakistani players, and India's potential withdrawal from the 2025 Champions Trophy.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Malik responded to Naqvi’s suggestion that a major surgery might be needed after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.

"Surgery should be done where there are plenty of surgeries to be performed. We don't have much here; we have our best players, so what kind of surgery can you perform on them? Removing two or three people is not the solution. You need to look at everything. If you have brought someone in, give them time. If you give them time, things will improve," Malik said.

Malik concluded the discussion on this topic by saying, “Let’s leave it here,” to avoid further controversy.

The PCB recently denied NOCs to key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah for participation in foreign leagues. Malik supported the board chief’s decision.

"They have prioritised the national team and considered the workload so that players can stay fresh. The Champions Trophy is not far away, so they have decided not to give the NOCs. In my opinion, this is good because the country comes first. However, players should not suffer financially. The central contract should ensure players do not feel the loss of a lucrative contract," Malik stated.

Malik also addressed India’s potential withdrawal from the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

He urged the Indian team to visit Pakistan and keep politics separate from sports.

"Any issues between the two countries should be resolved separately. Politics should not come into sports. The Pakistan team went to India last year, and now the Indian team has the opportunity to come here. Many Indian players have never played in Pakistan, and this would be a good opportunity for them. We are very hospitable people," he concluded.