Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has appealed to fans and critics to avoid targeting the players ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9. His remarks come amid heated debates over India’s participation in the tournament, especially given the rising political tensions with Pakistan.
The discussion intensified after confirmation that India would compete despite the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed several lives. With emotions running high, many questioned whether India should have withdrawn from the Asia Cup. Gavaskar, however, was firm in his stance that the cricketers should not be at the receiving end of such criticism.
Speaking to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar explained that the players have no authority over these decisions and are simply bound by the directives of the BCCI and the Indian government.
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“If the government has taken a call, I don’t see how the players can be criticised or commented upon. They are contracted to the BCCI, and ultimately, they will follow instructions from the government of India,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
He further stressed that the players are “helpless” in this matter. “They’ve been selected to play in the Asia Cup. If the government says go, they will play; if not, the BCCI will withdraw them. It’s as simple as that,” he added.
On the possibility of India pulling out of the marquee clash against Pakistan—or even the tournament altogether— Sunil Gavaskar reiterated that the decision rests solely with the government.
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Turning attention to cricket itself, the batting legend lauded the squad chosen for the competition, calling it one of the strongest India has fielded in recent times. “This is a fabulous squad with depth in batting, left-right balance, and a strong bowling attack. It’s a fantastic team,” he said with confidence.
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against hosts United Arab Emirates on September 10, with all eyes set on their potential high-voltage clash against Pakistan.
