Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has spoken out in defense of Indian cricketers, saying that playing against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 is not their personal choice but an obligation.
Players Follow Instructions, Not Personal Decisions
Speaking about the upcoming high-voltage clash, the 76-year-old batting legend emphasized that cricketers should not be criticized for participating in matches against Pakistan.
“Whether to play or not is not decided by the players. They simply follow the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the government,” Gavaskar explained.
He added that players are bound by their BCCI contracts and remain obligated to respect official directives. “If the government says play, they will play. If the government says don’t play, they won’t,” he stressed.
Gavaskar Defends Players Against Unfair Criticism
According to Gavaskar, criticism directed at the players is misplaced. He reminded fans that athletes have no role in political or administrative decisions regarding bilateral or multilateral cricket matches.
“The players are helpless in such matters,” he said. “They have been selected to represent India in the Asia Cup, and they cannot refuse to play once chosen.”
India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025
The BCCI recently announced India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025, featuring a mix of experienced stars and promising young talents. The squad includes:
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Shubman Gill
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Jitesh Sharma (wk-batter)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Sanju Samson (wk-batter)
- Harshit Rana
- Rinku Singh
This lineup reflects India’s strategy of blending established match-winners with emerging players ahead of the Asia Cup challenge.
Pakistan vs India: A Clash Fans Can’t Wait For
The most anticipated fixture of the group stage – Pakistan vs India – is scheduled for September 14, 2025. Cricket fans worldwide are already buzzing with excitement about the encounter.
If both teams qualify for the Super Four stage, they could meet again on September 21. And should they progress to the final, a third India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup is possible on September 28 – a dream scenario for cricket fans but a nerve-wracking prospect for players.
Politics, Pressure, and the Spirit of the Game
Sunil Gavaskar’s comments shed light on the immense pressure Indian players face in such high-profile matches. While the Pakistan vs India rivalry remains the most-watched contest in cricket, it also carries political undertones. Gavaskar’s message serves as a reminder that the players are simply professionals carrying out their duties — not decision-makers in cross-border cricket relations.
