BCCI and players will follow the government's decision on IND vs PAK: Sunil Gavaskar

Next up for Team India is the Asia Cup 2025, where they will play their first game against the United Arab Emirates on September 10. In this event, India will play Pakistan for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup. On September 14, they will play their Group A match. 

Following the Pahalgam terrorist attacks and Operation Sindoor, there has been a great deal of criticism against the BCCI, with calls to boycott the game becoming more widespread. A number of former athletes have also advocated for the boycott of the game. The renowned Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has now discussed this.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar responded to the controversy by stating that because players are bound by BCCI contracts, they have little say in such matters. He emphasised that the Indian government had the last say. “If the government gives the green signal, then the players are expected to play. It is not really in their hands,” Gavaskar explained.

“It is the government that has to the instructions to the BCCI. The BCCI will follow what the government says, and the players will also follow what the BCCI says. I think it is going to be that kind of situation. So everything depends on what the government of India decides,” Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today.

The Indian Champions team decided not to play Pakistan even in the Legends League. Nonetheless, a matchup between the two bitter rivals is still possible in the Asia Cup. When the BCCI announced India's tournament selection on August 19, it was evident that the team would face Pakistan.

The fans have been slamming the BCCI for this show of difference between the Legends League and the Asia Cup, stating that the board only cares about the cash flowing in from the clash and not the national sentiments.

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