Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar defended Team India stars amid the backlash over facing Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. The arch-rivals are scheduled to lock horns on September 14 in Dubai amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Although the BCCI has obtained clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to face Pakistan, a section of fans have targeted the Indian players for agreeing to play the contest.
Gavaskar defends players amid row over IND vs PAK
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar pointed out that it wasn’t right to criticise or comment on players over the IND vs PAK clash in Asia Cup. The ex-Indian cricketer noted that not only were the players contracted to the BCCI but were also merely taking instructions from the Government of India. Gavaskar added that the players were helpless, stating that the government had already taken a call and that the BCCI would make amends only if asked to do so.
“If the government has taken a call, I don’t see how the players can be criticised or commented upon, because the players at the end of the day are contracted to the BCCI and they will be taking the instructions from the government of India. And so it entirely depends on that,” Gavaskar said.
In May, tensions between the two nations rose. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian public was adamant about cutting all ties with Pakistan. This included cricket. It was assumed that a strong stance would be taken. But the Indian government was fine with India and Pakistan playing sports at international events.
The public wasn’t pleased. Such was the scrutiny that two legends cricket matches between India and Pakistan, which were being played in England, were cancelled. It is pertinent to point out that India might face Pakistan more than just once in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
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