Overview:
The International Cricket Council issued a strong response, cautioning that picking and choosing fixtures counter to the spirit of an international competition.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has pointed to what he sees as an uneven dynamic between India and Pakistan when it comes to sporting and cultural engagement. Gavaskar remarked that Pakistan must also step forward, rather than relying on India to repeatedly initiate sporting and cultural ties.
In an exclusive chat with India Today, Gavaskar highlighted India’s consistent openness towards Pakistani involvement in events like the IPL and broadcast panels, while Pakistan has rarely extended the same hospitality.
“That step was taken years ago. Back in 2008, Pakistani players featured in the IPL, and nearly every franchise had at least one. Pakistani commentators were involved as well. Yet the expectation always seems to be that India should make the first move. We’ve rarely seen that initiative come the other way, even before ties between the two countries hit rock bottom,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
“How many of our singers or film stars are ever invited to perform in Pakistani films? It’s always us taking the first step, always reaching out. When people talk about bullying, we’re not bullying anyone, we’re simply focusing on our own matters,” he added.
The debate has intensified following Pakistan’s decision to opt out their marquee group encounter with India in the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Sunil Gavaskar, who has spoken on the matter before, believes the move is against the spirit of the game.
In a surprising move before the World Cup, Pakistan confirmed it would play in the tournament but would not take the field against India, citing solidarity with Bangladesh after the ICC swapped the team with Scotland.
The International Cricket Council issued a strong response, cautioning that picking and choosing fixtures counter to the spirit of an international competition. With the India–Pakistan contest widely regarded as the game’s most lucrative matchup, its cancellation could trigger significant financial setbacks.