Sports

Top Indian players would not visit Pakistan: Sunil Gavaskar

Batting legend says players still not sure of the security after the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan team

Sports Desk May 23, 2015

A file photo of Sunil Gavaskar. PHOTO: FILE

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said that top Indian players would reject the idea of visiting Pakistan for a tour after what happened with Sri Lanka in 2009.

Gavaskar also said Zimbabwe's tour of Pakistan was a baby step towards the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.

"Whatever the country's Boards may decide, I am sure not many top Indian players would like to go there and play if they are asked today, After what happened in 2009, most players would refuse to tour the country," Gavaskar told NDTV.

Read: Pakistani fans ride wave of emotion as #CricketComesHome

When asked about how does he feel about Zimbabwe's tour of Pakistan, he said, "It will be just a baby step. There are more steps required before it can say that international cricket is back in Pakistan.

Read: Asian teams need to support us, says Shahryar Khan

The batting legend added that it will be good for the youngsters of Pakistan to see their heroes live in action.

"It is good for the young Pakistanis to see their heroes play in front of their eyes in flesh and blood in the national colours," said Gavaskar.

Read: Aggressive Mukhtar impresses in five-wicket win

The Sri Lankan cricket team attack took place in March 2009, when the bus carrying the cricketers, was fired upon by 12 gunmen, near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The cricketers were on their way to play the third day of the second Test against Pakistan. Six members of the Sri Lanka national cricket team were injured, while six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed.

COMMENTS (55)

Abdul Malik | 9 years ago | Reply @Truth Detector: Better be silent than comment and reveal your ignorance.

Abdul Malik | 9 years ago | Reply @Rashid Qureshi: LOL please do that and we will pay for it too because one IPL match generates more revenue that your full year of cricket.

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Abdul Malik | 9 years ago | Reply @samir: Before expecting other people to show any concern you should show your concern by catching and hanging the Sri Lankan team attackers. You have clearly failed to do so. Do not blame other teams when you yourself are desperately lacking.

Abdul Malik | 9 years ago | Reply @Patriotic Pakistani: Have Sri Lanka team attackers been brought to justice ?

singh | 9 years ago | Reply Then why most of the time paki players r moaning that they r not allowed to play in ipl. Why they r so pesperate to play in ipl? Mend your home & bring cricket back to pak if any body is serious. Get pak rid of menace of terrorism & extremism.@Afzal:

Afzal | 9 years ago | Reply @Dan: Can not figure out which end of your bod you are ranting. This bloke called Gavaskar is a dying horse who is merely trying to seek attention by talking stupid.. He seems to be part of Shiv senna, a group of genetically abnormal haramzadas and does not know how to handle an issue of public interest. Not surprised why you guys do not wish to play with us, you are coward azzs who can not face defeat. Try and count the number of matches played between the two teams and you will find Pakistan won more times. We do not wish our boys to play in IPL which is run by messy and corrupt vultures. I only hope our cricket board will realise and ban Indian team once cricket in Pakistan has returned to its former readiness and the country will have its own answer to IPL.

savvy | 9 years ago | Reply There was no need for such a statement when he knows that this will be read by people around the globe. He should have instead appreciated the gesture of Zimbabwe and hoped for revival of cricket. Sometimes better sense takes a backseat.

Muhammad | 9 years ago | Reply This character spent long time playing cricket. When he was no more useful he took to doing commentaries etc. He has now reached a point where the gentler bits of his image are beginning to fade from his own memory cells giving rise to a behaviour akin to an old distressed irritable woman. In his cricket playing days he saw more defeats at the hands of dominating Pakistan team than any other side ...hence his pent up hidden fears now pouring out to provide him relief. I guess he is going to live in this messed up phase of his life and long enough to learn that Indian players are banned in Pakistan.

Hassan | 9 years ago | Reply @Sunil: Yeah right!!! indian don't care who vist us and who don't..check out ur media as if they are dying to share this with the nation, thsi tour is all over india...so just by saying u don't care u can't get away what u do...

Aschraful Makhlooq PK | 9 years ago | Reply "Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said that top Indian players would reject the idea of visiting Pakistan for a tour after what happened with Sri Lanka in 2009." Sunil Gavaskar had to give this statement that time when PCB invites Indian players.We are not inviting Indian players and Sunil Gavaskar is wrong on his this stance.Neutral venue is much the best option for Pakistan-India cricket series because India doesn't deserve Pakistan Cricket team's hosting in India and PCB also has to refuse any expected proposal to play against India in India from India in the future tours if any Pakistan's match is scheduled in India...

Aschraful Makhlooq PK | 9 years ago | Reply "Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said that top Indian players would reject the idea of visiting Pakistan for a tour after what happened with Sri Lanka in 2009." Sunil Gavaskar had to give this statement that time when PCB invites Indian players.We are not inviting Indian players and Sunil Gavaskar is wrong on his this stance.Neutral venue is much the best option for Pakistan-India cricket series because India doesn't deserve Pakistan Cricket team's hosting in India and PCB also has to refuse any proposal to play against India in India in the future tours if any Pakistan's match is scheduled in India...

Milind | 9 years ago | Reply Truth and Pakistani never meet... As usual Pakistani commentators above are shooting the messenger for speaking the truth. What Gavaskar said is a fact... But he's been derided for saying that... overlooking the fact that the same Gavaskar supported Pakistani team in 1992 final

Salman | 9 years ago | Reply No one invited you.

Zulfiqar Baig | 9 years ago | Reply Much astonished to read such comments from a very senior former Indian Cricket Captain. Mostly all cricket lovers say that "Cricket should win and not politics".

asifdeejay | 9 years ago | Reply Keep it up PCB. We all Pakistani's are with you any time and any where don't worry "Lagay Raho PCB"

singh | 9 years ago | Reply Is any other country ready to play in jinnah's land of pure? First eliminate terrorism from your country. Pak/india relations r based on "hatred".@Pity:

Third Umpire | 9 years ago | Reply Baby step? In order to achieve the ultimate aim (which is to ensure that international cricket teams feel comfortable to play in Pakistan), the first step is always a baby step Mr. Gavaskar.

In the name of love (what more) | 9 years ago | Reply Really surprised to see Pakistani comments! The journalist asked him the question about Zim's tour to Pak and he answered as he felt. He did not make any statement just by himself. And isn't he correct? Most Pakistanis have themselves been saying that Zim's tour is a baby step...a step nevertheless. And the big countries would still not be too willing to tour Pak in the near future. And it would be good for Pakistani youngsters to watch their heroes live. All of it is 100% correct. But since it comes from the flesh of a Hindu/Indian, it is perhaps intolerable. Whenever Pakistan is ready and feel it has hearts large enough to welcome the Indians, the Indians will only come then. Happy??

Dan | 9 years ago | Reply To all my fellow Pakistani comment posters: Mr. Gavaskar is saying the truth. And truth Hurts isnt it? Let alone India touring Pakistan or playing against them in any neutral venue, no major Test playing nation is going to play in Pakistan. At most Sri-Lanka might tour but i doubt that too will take place in the near future. We, Indians do not care about Pakistan anymore nor playing against you in ICC tournaments because we believe that we can very easily beat you guys. You team is not a major cricketing force to reckon with now a days. And i am sorry to say that Bangladesh is a better team than Pakistan. Very soon in Tests matches too they are going to beat you. It is PCB that is begging in front of BCCI to conduct a series and not the other way around. PCB wants Pakistani players to play in IPL. We do not. Pakistani cricket is going the way of Pakistani Hockey and Squash. This is the reality. Stop being jealous and face the reality fellas

Azeez | 9 years ago | Reply @Jamal khan: well said

kksr | 9 years ago | Reply Even ICC has refused to send umpires? Why target Sunil Gavaskar speaking the truth.

Azeez | 9 years ago | Reply @Patriotic Pakistani: jealousy to whom....hi..hi

Azeez | 9 years ago | Reply @Pity: Ask your PCB chairman

someone else | 9 years ago | Reply @Shahbaz Asif Tahir: Oh you don't but PCB does. You see, PCB needs money. It won't come from series like this with Zimbabwe for which you are paying from your own pocket. I won't be surprised if the whole traveling and other expenses are paid by PCB for Zimbabwe and some other money too. So basically this is more like an investment but may turn into a bad one if their series with India does not work out. So whether you like it or not, PCB is desperate to have a series with enemies of Islam. But may be you guys can change all that. Just start a petition in public to ensure Pakistan plays cricket only with brother Islamic countries like Afghanistan, UAE and BD.

faraz | 9 years ago | Reply who cares ??? Pakistan cricket has a potential to revive without the support of Indian cricketers.Inshlah our time of cricket glory is just around the corner.Mr Gavsakar let me tell you loud and clear time is not far when Pakistan cricket team will beat India in India coz our hearts are too big to not to say "no' when its come to cricket.

Xi | 9 years ago | Reply @Sunil "Most Indians do not care about Pakistani’s" If only that were true.

Rafique Khan | 9 years ago | Reply First of all our Pakistani media must avoid to publish this news. Sunil Gavaskar is always against Pakistan and Pakistani Cricket Team. Anyhow I agree about his comments "it will be just a baby step. Yes it is baby step by Pakistan Cricket Board & our present Government. Pakistan not starts and finishes at Lahore and Punjab. Our present PML (N) led government has shortened the size of Pakistan and limited it upto Punjab only. The PCB and Government of Pakistan must has more courage to arrange cricket match in other cities like Karachi, Hybderabad, Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi. So really it is baby step by the PCB and this step will not support attract other full member teams to visit Pakistan.

Azi | 9 years ago | Reply @Jamal khan: Have you forgotten how they treat our players in India? Whose situation you think is much better than Pakistan? Poisoning blind team captain, their players starting fights and abusing, their fans throwing racial slurs to our players? And after they lose the match, they go after whom they can empty their rage on? I really dont believe cricket b/w Pakistan and India is anywhere near promotion of friendly relations, its in fact a violence-less war. So yes, mr whatever big shot, don't send in your players. We'd rather play with people who can accept defeat and enjoy victory in a humane manner.

Manzoor | 9 years ago | Reply He's right. Pakistan is unsafe. Especially for Indians who everyone in Pakistan hates as one can see from the comments here.

Jamal khan | 9 years ago | Reply I'm not sure why ppl are offended at his comments. A little objective maturity would allow ppl to see he's right. Why would players from any country want to come here? And if hosting Zimbabwe isn't a baby step I don't know what is. A teams might never come to Pakistan again and it's more a reflection of our failed society than their attitude toward us. Sometimes we don't like to hear the truth but if we accepted and acted on it more often, maybe we wouldn't be in the situation we're in today.

Sunil | 9 years ago | Reply Most Indians do not care about Pakistani's, we do not care who visits your country or not. None of our business .. good luck.

such bolta hoon | 9 years ago | Reply Journey of thousand miles begins with a single step - Lao Tzu Take it easy Sunil jee. Pakistan will rise again.

Ussamah Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply His comments are not surprising, he could have been a little bit optimistic, but the truth is that after 26/11 incident, Indians want to see nothing but Pakistan's isolation. I am not sure why PCB runs to BCCI to revive cricket in Pakistan. India is not interested in commencing any relationship with Pakistan either in Sports or at the diplomatic level. We should also not sound so desperate and move forward. This tour is a good omen and we should stay positive and certainly not give much importance to these Indian cricketers.

Shahbaz Asif Tahir | 9 years ago | Reply None of us Muslims, in Pakistan care a damn about India, or for that matter playing cricket, with them. The cricket diplomacy was a huge gimmick set up by the secular, liberal bigoted mindset, of aman ki asha, who like to kiss up with the enemies of Islam, and Pakistan.

Someone | 9 years ago | Reply Unless I am missing something... who even invited India to Pakistan? We're not having them here. Most likely, the first major team to visit will be the Windies or Sri Lankans. Pakistan will also be touring Australia next year, as well as series against England and other countries. There is an entire season of competetive cricket. India is generally a mediocre team, and the only reason why anyone even plays them is the finances. And even with the finances, they are an average team with a crappy reputation internationally among non-Indians. Go figure.

Ashwani | 9 years ago | Reply Security is a concern.If it becomes safe,more teams will visit Pakistan. What Gavaskar is saying is a fact.

IceMan | 9 years ago | Reply We don't need to criticize India ... we need to face the truth that security concerns exist ... arranging matches in Quetta , Peshawar , Karachi is still difficult ... we need to get our house in order than if Gavaskar speaks the way he is doing now WE REALLY WOULD'NT CARE !!!

Xman | 9 years ago | Reply If Pakistan had its 2009, India had their Mumbai 2008. India ain't more secure than Pakistan is. But no one stopped coming to Mumbai, why? Probably because Indians managed the perception better. Instead of getting offended by what Gawaskar said, Pakistanis could learn something, be realistic, and work on improving the general image of the country. In that aspect such baby steps do matter. Hopefully things will continue to improve.

Truth Detector | 9 years ago | Reply I have seen this guy degenerating from an objective commentator & analyst to prejudiced narrow minded blowhard. Journey is complete.

Truth Detector | 9 years ago | Reply Sunil who?

yasir khan | 9 years ago | Reply well i have heard that "Thousands miles journey begins with the first step" ...looks like Mr Gavaskar isnt aware of the importance of the first step... We are desperate for cricket not for indians....

Paki | 9 years ago | Reply Typical narrow-minded approach.

salman | 9 years ago | Reply Who are inviting them at first place ? nor we would like to see them. They only attraction playing against Indian team for rest of the world is pure money and that's all about it.

Tiddi Pehalwan | 9 years ago | Reply Good we don't want them either It's just our corrupt PCB and government thugs who love making money by playing against india and losing as they can only make a winning bet on a losing Pakistan

neat | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan doesn't need them. THey can stay in India and play their masters in big-3

Rashid Qureshi | 9 years ago | Reply Someone please send more Shipments of "Burnol" to India.

Aafaq | 9 years ago | Reply Here comes Indians to sabotage each and every good step taken by Pakistan. He could have said that it's a good step and hopes for more foreign teams to go to Pakistan. He could have said that he is happy as a cricketer to see cricket other than India. But Nooooo, the reason is obvious. Cricketcomeshome SlaponHaters

Careless Whispers | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan should keep on taking these baby steps which will turn into giant leaps in coming days, if so called big teams don't come invite ireland, scotland, keep giving young blood a chance to play against others on their home soul infront of their people, cricket wont die people want to see good cricket

pakistani bloach | 9 years ago | Reply hes clearly not happy like rest of his countrymen. its not about bringing indian team to pakistan but to start our own league cuz thats where the money is. One more successful tour and pakistan will start its own league with international players in. And india australia england know this hence trying there best to stop this happening.

samir | 9 years ago | Reply As expected from our caring neighbours. Sri Lanka will probably visit before India. So when it comes to care, fearlessness, a game of cricket beyond politics... there is no doubt that India will be found lacking. They should know that current generation growing up in Pakistan is establishing a view of India as a selfish nation. This is only going to hurt India in a few decades.

amir | 9 years ago | Reply you are not welcomed here mr sunil. stay there were you are.

Faiz | 9 years ago | Reply In the cricket fraternity, his comments are always offended and political. He should learn a little bit lesson from IK.

Pakistani | 9 years ago | Reply who cares about the Indian team? It was your PM which was talking about reviving cricket diplomacy. We in Pakistan know who was behind the attack on Sri Lankan team. And please we are not interested to welcome Indian team in our country.

Patriotic Pakistani | 9 years ago | Reply nothing but jealousy, typical Indian mentality.

Pity | 9 years ago | Reply May I ask Mr Gavaskar, who has invited Indian players to Pakistan?

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