India and Pakistan can only be seen playing against each other in major international tournaments like Asia Cup and World Cup in the current scenario. It is all because of the geopolitical rifts and tensions between both countries alongside the diplomatic mess in the last decade.
The two south Asian giants haven’t locked horns in any bilateral series since 212 when Pakistan visited India for three-match ODI and three-match T20I series. Apart from the last decade, both teams have played a lot of cricket matches against each other in the past.
18 years back in the year 2004, India and Pakistan engaged in a historic bilateral series that included a five-match ODI series and a three-match Test series. It was the first time that both teams were facing each other after the Kargil War.
India won the ODI series by a margin of 3-2 against the hosts whereas they won the longest-format series by 2-1. Although, they had to face a shocking defeat against Pakistan ‘A’ in a tour match.
Recently, former captain, Salman Butt has come up with a statement recalling the game and went on to say that Pakistan’s bench strength in 2004 was way better than the current scenario of domestic cricket.
Who is to blame? What have you brought to the system? - Salman Butt
“I remember India came to Pakistan in 2004. They played against Pakistan 'A' in a warm-up match. And Pakistan 'A' had actually beaten the Indian team. Imran Nazir scored good runs, the match took place at the Gaddafi Stadium. It was a high-scoring game. Do you have a setup to prepare a team like that now?” said Butt on his official YouTube channel
“It used to be there. I have gone to South Africa with the 'A' teams. Even U19 tours used to take place. Now there are none. Who is to blame? What have you brought to the system? There's a lot to answer, but no one wants to answer," he added later.