New Delhi: Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar said Indian players are compelled to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. He defended the players and stressed that criticism of them is unfair.
Gavaskar Defends Indian Players
Gavaskar said players have no role in deciding whether to face Pakistan or not. He explained that the decision comes from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government. Players only follow official instructions.
He stated that Indian cricketers should not face criticism for matches scheduled against Pakistan. “They are under contract with the BCCI,” he said. “They follow the orders of the board and the government.”
Government and BCCI Role
According to Gavaskar, Indian players remain powerless in political and diplomatic matters. If the government asks them to play, they play. If the government blocks the match, they do not play.
He highlighted that the players selected for the Asia Cup 2025 squad have no choice in the matter. Their duty is to perform on the field, not to decide who they face. Gavaskar said players remain bound by their contracts and must respect official directions.
Message to Critics
Gavaskar asked fans and media to stop targeting players. He argued that players already face immense pressure on the field. Criticism over political decisions only adds unnecessary burden. He said the blame, if any, should go to decision-makers, not to the athletes.
Also read: PCB Central Contracts 2025: No Category A, Babar and Rizwan Demoted
Asia Cup 2025 Context
The Asia Cup 2025 features high-profile matches between arch-rivals Pakistan and India. The BCCI has already announced the squad for the tournament. Cricket analysts expect the clash to draw massive global attention.
Gavaskar’s comments highlight the sensitive balance between sports and politics in South Asian cricket. His defense of Indian players aims to shift focus back to the game rather than political disputes.
