'I did not ask': Sunil Gavaskar hits back at the criticism of attending Pakistani Show

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has powerfully rejected allegations of hypocrisy aft his comments connected Abrar Ahmed being picked by Sunrisers Leeds successful The Hundred 2026 and his reports of attending Pakistani amusement successful Dubai during Asia Cup 2025.Gavaskar had earlier raised concerns astir Indian ownership indirectly benefiting Pakistani cricketers done overseas leagues. His remarks came successful the aftermath of Abrar Ahmed’s signing, which reignited discussions astir India-Pakistan cricketing ties astatine the franchise level. However, his stance drew criticism, with immoderate accusing him of treble standards, peculiarly pointing to his engagement successful planetary commentary panels and a reported quality connected a Pakistan-related show.

Gavaskar’s Strong Clarification

Responding to the backlash, Gavaskar dismissed the accusations and clarified his presumption successful an interrogation with Mid-day“Yes, I person been connected commentary panels of ICC and ACC. The gross went to each the participating countries from the ICC and ACC, but not from an Indian entity arsenic acold arsenic I know. I don’t recognize however you tin accidental that I americium a contributor since I americium not making immoderate outgo to immoderate commentator, Indian oregon immoderate different nationality," Gavaskar said.

“I don’t cognize astir different sports and what they are doing, each I americium praying for is that Indians halt paying Pakistanis. If you person noticed, the reverse has ne'er happened for decades, if ever." helium added.

Criticism for attending a amusement successful Dubai

Another constituent of disapproval was Gavaskar’s, but the erstwhile India skipper Sunil Gavaskar appeared arsenic a peculiar impermanent connected the DP World Dressing Room amusement connected YouTube during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. During the interaction, Gavaskar reflected connected his illustrious career, expressed his admiration for being backmost successful a “dressing room” environment, and shared his views connected respective existent cricketing issues.However, helium firmly denied claims of fiscal oregon ceremonial engagement connected a akin amusement during the

Asia Cup

alongside erstwhile Pakistan greats Wasim Akram and

Waqar Younis

, Gavaskar said,''I did not inquire nor got paid for the amusement successful Dubai.''