Michael Clarke, former Australia captain, recently voiced his criticism of Cricket Australia (CA) for not including Sunil Gavaskar in the trophy presentation ceremony after the fifth Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Clarke revealed that while the decision had been planned ahead of the series, it still offended Gavaskar, who was left out of the ceremony despite the trophy being named after him and Allan Border.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a prestigious symbol of the India-Australia cricket rivalry, is meant to be presented by either Gavaskar or Border, depending on the winner. However, when Australia won the fifth Test in Sydney, the presentation of the trophy was handled solely by Allan Border, who handed it to Australian captain Pat Cummins. This marked Australia’s first win of the series since the 2014-15 season.

The trophy, introduced in the 1996-97 India-Australia Test series, honours the contributions of two cricket legends—Border and Gavaskar—who dominated the game in the 1970s and 1980s. The absence of Gavaskar from the presentation was a clear deviation from the tradition, and Clarke believed this decision missed an important opportunity.

ALSO READ: Deep Dasgupta Calls For Resting Jasprit Bumrah Till Champions Trophy

Speaking on ESPN’s Around The Wicket, Clarke explained that it had been decided before the series began that Gavaskar would present the trophy if India won and Border would do so if Australia triumphed. While this plan wasn’t a surprise to either Gavaskar or Border, Clarke felt it was a mistake to not have both cricketing icons involved in the presentation regardless of who won the match.

“I just think Cricket Australia missed a trick. No matter who won, both should have walked out and presented the trophy. We were lucky to have both AB and Sunny in the country at the right time. You don’t get that often,” Michael Clarke said. He further stressed that both legends should have been on stage to mark the significance of the trophy being named after them.

ALSO READ: Nathan Smith’s Flying Catch Seals 113-Run Win For New Zealand Against Sri Lanka

Aaron Finch, former Australian cricketer, echoed Clarke’s sentiment, agreeing that Cricket Australia missed an opportunity to involve both legends. “Yeah, and probably just an oversight. Both should have been there. Cricket Australia definitely missed a trick there,” Aaron Finch added.

The decision, Clarke concluded, was disrespectful to Gavaskar and overshadowed a moment that should have been shared by both cricketing greats.