The illustrious former India captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has weighed in with formidable criticism regarding the conduct of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. What began with a seemingly minor incident — the Indian team`s decision to forgo a customary handshake — swiftly escalated into a series of events that Gavaskar describes as disruptive and contrary to the spirit of the game. His observations, penned in his column, highlight a pattern of behavior that, according to the batting maestro, warrants serious attention from cricket`s governing bodies.
The Handshake Protocol: A Courtesy, Not a Compulsion
The genesis of this cricketing imbroglio lay in the aftermath of a high-stakes encounter where the Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, opted to bypass the traditional post-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts. This omission, Gavaskar points out, is not a breach of any established regulation. “The PCB complaining about it was hard to understand, as there is nothing in the rule books that says handshakes are mandatory,” he asserted. Indeed, sports history is replete with instances where opponents, after fierce competition, have not exchanged pleasantries. The International Cricket Council (ICC) evidently concurred, reportedly dismissing any official protest on this front, a decision Gavaskar unequivocally endorsed.
An ICC Complaint and a Game Held to Ransom
However, the PCB`s response extended far beyond mere bewilderment. They lodged an official complaint with the ICC, calling for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging he failed to uphold the spirit of cricket. This request, predictably, found no traction with the global cricketing body. Undeterred, the PCB reportedly took their grievances to a dramatic new level, threatening to withdraw from their crucial match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This resulted in an inexcusable one-hour delay to the game`s start, a move Gavaskar vehemently condemned.
“There is simply no excuse for delaying the start of the game for an hour while haggling to get an apology from the match referee for something that was also not in any of the rule books,” Gavaskar wrote. He underscored that any substantive issues could have been addressed during the two full days between India`s victory and the UAE fixture, rather than holding the entire fixture “to ransom” on match day.
The Media Blackout: A Breach of Mandatory Protocol
Beyond the pitch-side drama, Gavaskar brought another critical transgression to light: the Pakistani contingent`s decision to skip the mandatory pre-match media conference. While a handshake might be discretionary, media engagements are a cornerstone of modern professional sports, ensuring transparency and interaction with fans through the press. “What needs to be looked at is the avoiding of the mandatory media meet on the eve of the match by the Pakistani contingent,” Gavaskar noted, adding that even a member of the extensive support staff could have fulfilled this obligation. This deliberate avoidance of a clear mandate stands in stark contrast to the PCB`s zealous pursuit of a non-mandatory handshake.
The Elusive Apology: A `Regrettable Miscommunication`
The controversy culminated in the PCB`s assertion that they had secured an apology from the match referee, leading them to finally agree to play the delayed match. They reportedly seized upon the phrase “regrettable miscommunication” as confirmation of this apology. Yet, the ICC, the very body that appoints umpires and match referees, categorically denied that any such apology was tendered. This linguistic tightrope walk, where “miscommunication” is interpreted as an admission of fault and a subsequent apology, highlights a concerning disconnect between perception and reality.
Upholding Cricket`s Integrity: A Call to Action
Sunil Gavaskar`s incisive analysis transcends mere match-day commentary; it delves into the foundational principles of sportsmanship, adherence to protocol, and the integrity of the game itself. His critique serves as a stark reminder that while emotions run high in competitive cricket, the fundamental rules and unspoken courtesies must not be sacrificed at the altar of perceived grievance. The veteran`s call for action suggests that such “antics” need to be thoroughly examined, not just for the sake of fair play in Asia Cup 2025, but for the broader health and respect of international cricket.
