Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has once again found himself at the center of a storm, this time for comments regarding Pakistan’s potential participation in the Asia Cup 2025.
What started as a simple interview quickly escalated into a full-blown controversy, with prominent Pakistani cricketers, including Javed Miandad, voicing their strong disapproval.
The Comments That Sparked the Fire
In an interview with an Indian news outlet, Gavaskar stirred the pot by questioning whether Pakistan would even be part of the upcoming Asia Cup.
His remarks centred around the idea that political tensions between India and Pakistan could play a significant role in determining whether the two nations meet on the field at this prestigious event.
Gavaskar pointed out that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has historically aligned itself with the Indian government’s stance, which could make it difficult for Pakistan to participate if the political situation doesn’t improve.
As he put it: “BCCI’s stance has always followed the Indian government’s direction. If the situation hasn’t changed, I don’t see Pakistan taking part in the Asia Cup,” Gavaskar remarked.
Not Just About Participation: The Future of the ACC
Gavaskar didn’t stop at casting doubt on Pakistan’s involvement. He also went a step further by suggesting that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could potentially be dissolved.
Instead of the usual Asia Cup format, he speculated that we might see tri-series or four-nation events emerge if the regional dynamics shift in the coming months.
“It’s possible that the Asian Cricket Council could be dissolved. Instead, we might see a tri-series or a four-nation event. What happens next will depend on how things unfold,” he added.
These remarks raised eyebrows, given the huge role that the ACC plays in organising one of the biggest tournaments in world cricket. But what really caught attention was the political undercurrent running through his comments.
Pakistan’s Cricketing Legends Respond
As expected, Gavaskar’s comments didn’t sit well with Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity. Javed Miandad, one of Pakistan’s most respected cricketers and a long-time admirer of Gavaskar, expressed his surprise and disappointment.
“I can’t believe Sunny bhai said that,” Miandad said. “He’s always been a respectful, down-to-earth person who stayed away from political talk.”
The sentiment was clear: Miandad felt that Gavaskar’s comments had crossed a line, moving away from cricket and into the political arena.
Iqbal Qasim, the former left-arm spinner, echoed Miandad’s reaction. He initially questioned whether Gavaskar had been misquoted, but then firmly stated: “He’s a responsible figure, respected on both sides of the border. Politics should never mix with sports.”
However, the most blunt response came from former cricketer Basit Ali, who did not mince words. “Stupid comments,” Ali said. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. Cricket should stay above political hostilities.”
His frustration with the remarks was palpable, and it highlighted a growing sentiment that the game of cricket should be kept free from the influence of politics.
The Bigger Picture: Should Politics Influence Cricket?
Gavaskar’s comments highlight a larger issue — the intersection of politics and sports. Cricket has always been a unifying force in South Asia, transcending political barriers and bringing nations together.
However, when comments like these are made by influential figures, it raises questions about how much politics should interfere with the sport.
For many, the game is about much more than just national pride. It’s a way to showcase talent, bring joy to millions of fans, and serve as a platform for the sport’s global growth.
As we look toward the Asia Cup 2025, the hope is that the focus will remain on the game itself and not on the political tensions that often cloud its beauty.
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