Sunil Gavaskar Critiques Pakistan Cricket Board‘s Conduct in Asia Cup 2025

In a recent column for Sportstar, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) behavior during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. His remarks come in light of several controversies surrounding the tournament, particularly the PCB’s decision to skip mandatory pre-match press conferences and their insistence on the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, which led to a significant delay in the match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Background of the Controversy

The Asia Cup, a prestigious tournament featuring eight teams, has a long history of intense rivalries, particularly between India and Pakistan. This year, the tournament has been marred by disputes that have overshadowed the on-field action. The situation escalated after India’s Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with his Pakistani counterparts following their group stage match. In response, the PCB lodged multiple complaints with the International Cricket Council (ICC), alleging that Pycroft failed to uphold the spirit of the game.

Gavaskar pointed out that handshakes are not mandated by the rules of cricket, making the PCB’s complaints puzzling. “There are many previous instances in different sports where opponents who have clashed have not shaken hands after their match has ended,” he noted, emphasizing that the ICC’s decision to disregard the PCB’s protest was justified.

The Press Conference Dilemma

One of the more pressing issues raised by Gavaskar was the PCB’s failure to adhere to the mandatory media obligations before the match. He argued that the board could have sent any member of their extensive support staff to fulfill this requirement, yet they chose not to. “It will be interesting to see if any action is taken for avoiding what is mandatory,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of accountability in sports governance.

The PCB’s actions have drawn criticism not only from Gavaskar but also from various cricket analysts who argue that such behavior sets a dangerous precedent. The board’s threats to withdraw from the Asia Cup if their demands were not met raised eyebrows, as it suggested a willingness to hold the tournament hostage over grievances that many see as trivial.

Delayed Match Start: A New Precedent?

The match between Pakistan and the UAE was delayed by an hour due to the PCB’s insistence on addressing their grievances with Pycroft. Gavaskar expressed his disbelief that the authorities allowed such antics to disrupt the tournament. “If the PCB had any issues to discuss with the match referee, they had two full days after their loss to India to do so,” he stated, criticizing the board for holding the game to ransom.

The delay not only frustrated fans but also raised questions about the integrity of the tournament. Gavaskar pointed out that in no other sport would a team be allowed to delay the start of a game over administrative disputes. “It has set an unsavoury precedent for sure, and hopefully no other team is allowed to get away with this kind of bullying again,” he warned.

PCB’s Claims of Apology

Just minutes before the match commenced, the PCB released a statement claiming that Pycroft had apologized for his “regrettable actions.” Gavaskar dismissed this assertion, arguing that the term “regrettable” was inappropriate. “There was nothing to regret in the match referee informing that the Indian skipper would not shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart,” he wrote, suggesting that the PCB’s narrative was an attempt to save face.

He further elaborated that the use of the word “regrettable” was likely a diplomatic move to avoid further embarrassment for the Pakistan team. “To suggest anything other than that actually speaks a lot about the warped kind of thinking,” he added, emphasizing the need for clarity and honesty in sports governance.

The Intersection of Sports and Politics

Gavaskar’s critique also touched on the broader implications of the PCB’s actions, particularly the intersection of sports and politics. He noted that those who argue against mixing the two should reconsider their stance in light of this incident. “Why else was a team allowed not to start the game at the appointed hour but for the politics of keeping everything hunky dory?” he questioned, underscoring the complexities that often arise in international sports.

The Asia Cup has historically been a platform for showcasing cricketing talent, but it has also been a stage for political tensions, especially between India and Pakistan. Gavaskar’s comments serve as a reminder that the integrity of the game must be preserved, even amidst political pressures.

Conclusion

Sunil Gavaskar’s outspoken criticism of the PCB’s conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 raises important questions about accountability, governance, and the integrity of sports. As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen how the ICC and other governing bodies will address these issues. The events surrounding the PCB’s behavior serve as a cautionary tale for sports organizations worldwide, emphasizing the need for adherence to rules and the importance of maintaining the spirit of the game. As cricket fans look forward to the remaining matches, the hope is that the focus will return to the sport itself, rather than the controversies that threaten to overshadow it.