Sunil Gavaskar Slammed by Ex-Pak Cricketers Over Asia Cup Remarks

Sunil Gavaskar raised doubts about Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup, to which some ex-Pakistani cricketers have reacted against the statement. Read below.

Sunil Gavaskar's remarks drew reactions from Javed Miandad, a former Pakistan cricketer, who played against Gavaskar during the 80's

Source : PTI, X

Little Master Sunil Gavaskar’s recent remarks questioning Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup amid the Pahalgam terror attack have triggered sharp criticism from former Pakistani cricketers. Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad expressed disbelief, while Ex-cricketer & coach, Basit Ali called the comments “stupid,” urging that politics be should be kept out of sports.

On Saturday, Gavaskar expressed doubts over two-time champions Pakistan participating in the upcoming Asia Cup, which is set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka at a neutral venue, likely to be UAE.

"I can’t believe Sunny bhai said this. He’s a respectful, down-to-earth person who always stayed away from politics," said Javed Miandad.

"Let the investigation conclude. Cricket should remain above political hostilities," former Pakistan middle-order batter Basit mentioned in addition to labelling his comment as “stupid”.

'Gavaskar Is loved On Both Sides Of The Border': Ex-Pak Spinners

Former Pakistan spinners Iqbal Qasim and Mushtaq Ahmed also reacted to Gavaskar’s comments, with Qasim stating that “Sunny G” is admired on both sides of the border and emphasized the need to keep sports separate from politics.

“Gavaskar is a responsible figure loved on both sides of the border. Politics should not mix with sports,” former left-arm spinner Qasim stated.

“Never decide in anger that forces you to regret,” said Mushtaq Ahmed.

Pakistan's ODI captain, Mohammad Rizwan emphasized the importance of maintaining cricketing ties between the two nations, despite the severe diplomatic fallout following the deadly terror attack, which marked the deadliest civilian assault on Indian soil since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

“Whatever happens politically, cricket should go on,” the wicketkeeper-batter added.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has taken numerous stringent actions like freezing the Indus Waters Treaty, cutting economic ties and blocking YouTube accounts of prominent Pakistani cricketers and other notable figures.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also been urged by cricketing legends, including former India captain Sourav Ganguly, to cut all ties with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), suggesting that India should not face their arch-rivals in ICC events.