Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes PCB for Skipping Essential Press Conference: ‘Will There Be Consequences?’
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong criticism against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding their actions during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. His remarks come in light of Pakistan’s complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) after India’s cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, opted not to engage in the traditional handshake. The PCB sought the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, but the ICC dismissed their request. Gavaskar expressed confusion over the PCB’s stance, emphasizing that handshakes are not a requirement in cricket.
PCB’s Complaint and ICC’s Response
Sunil Gavaskar’s critique centers on the PCB’s formal complaint to the ICC regarding India’s decision to forgo the customary handshake. He highlighted that there is no rule in cricket mandating handshakes between teams. Gavaskar pointed out that similar situations have occurred in various sports where competitors have chosen not to shake hands after a match. He noted that the ICC’s dismissal of Pakistan’s complaint was justified, as the rules do not support their argument. Gavaskar’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that the PCB’s actions may have been unwarranted and that their focus should be on the game rather than protocol disputes.
Concerns Over Media Engagement
In addition to the handshake controversy, Gavaskar raised concerns about the PCB’s decision to skip the mandatory pre-match press conference. He criticized the Pakistani team for not sending any representatives, including the captain or coach, to address the media. Gavaskar emphasized that even a member of the support staff could have fulfilled this obligation. He expressed curiosity about whether any repercussions would follow for this failure to comply with media requirements. The lack of communication from the PCB has drawn attention, as it deviates from the expected norms of engagement in international cricket.
Delay in Match Against UAE
Gavaskar also condemned the PCB for delaying their crucial match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which commenced an hour late. He pointed out that the PCB had ample time to address any issues with match referee Andy Pycroft following their loss to India. Instead of resolving matters promptly, they caused unnecessary suspense by arriving late at the ground. This delay not only affected the players but also disrupted the match schedule. Gavaskar’s remarks suggest that the PCB’s actions may have undermined the integrity of the tournament and raised questions about their professionalism.
Misleading Claims Regarding Apologies
The cricketing icon further criticized the PCB’s assertion that they had received an apology from the ICC, labeling it as misleading. He argued that there was no justification for the hour-long delay in starting the game while the PCB sought an apology from the match referee. Gavaskar noted that the ICC clarified there was no formal apology given. He pointed out that the PCB misinterpreted the phrase “regrettable miscommunication” as an apology, which he believes reflects poorly on their handling of the situation. This incident has sparked discussions about the PCB’s approach and its implications for their reputation in international cricket.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
