Several former Pakistani cricketers, including legendary batter Javed Miandad, have strongly criticised recent remarks by Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar concerning Pakistan’s participation in the 2025 Asia Cup and the potential fate of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Gavaskar, speaking to an Indian news channel, suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would likely follow the Indian government’s directives, hinting that ongoing political tensions could prevent Pakistan from taking part in the tournament.
“BCCI’s stance has always followed the Indian government's direction. If the situation hasn’t changed, I don’t see Pakistan taking part in the Asia Cup,” Gavaskar said.
He further speculated that the ACC might be dissolved altogether, possibly replaced with a tri-series or four-nation event depending on the political and cricketing landscape in the coming months.
His comments drew swift and pointed reactions from former Pakistani players. “I can’t believe Sunny bhai said that,” responded Javed Miandad. “He’s a respectful, down-to-earth person who always stayed away from politics.”
Former spinner Iqbal Qasim echoed that sentiment, initially suggesting Gavaskar might have been misquoted. “Gavaskar is a responsible figure loved on both sides of the border. Politics should not mix with sports,” he stated.
Basit Ali, however, was less forgiving. He dismissed Gavaskar’s remarks as “stupid” and called for facts over speculation. “Let the investigation conclude. Cricket should remain above political hostilities,” he asserted.
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is scheduled for September 2025 and will feature eight teams.
India and Sri Lanka are hosts of the Asia Cup 2025 but the BCCI will declare their stance in due time.
Full ACC members — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — have already qualified, while Hong Kong, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates secured their places through the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup.
As tensions brew off the field, former players are calling for the spirit of the game to rise above political divides.
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