Asia Cup: Sunil Gavaskar slams Pakistan for skipping press conference before India game

Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has slammed Pakistan for cancelling their press conference ahead of their clash against India in the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan have cancelled their pre-match press conference for the second consecutive time, as they earlier did the same before their last game against the UAE.

The Salman Agha-led side has been under massive pressure following their seven-wicket loss against India in the group fixture and the skipper has been avoiding facing the media. However, their decision to snub the press conference again could attract sanctions from the Asian Cricket Council, feels Sunil Gavaskar.

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“I don’t know what the thinking behind that is, but as far as I know, press conferences are mandatory. If teams don’t hold them, I’m not sure what the penalties are—if any—but in today’s world, it’s important for the media to be involved and kept informed. It’s still essential to maintain open communication with the media. Instead of relying on ‘sources’ or speculation, it’s always better for teams to convey their point of view directly. Perhaps Pakistan feel they have nothing to share, which, frankly, isn’t surprising,” Gavaskar told India Today.

Gavaskar further suggested that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) can deduct the team’s points in the tournament for not appearing for the press conference going ahead.

“Yes, Mohsin Naqvi is the head of the ACC, but there is an organisation under him that includes India, Sri Lanka, and other participating and non-participating member nations — that collectively forms the Asian Cricket Council. As far as I know, there’s a governing committee within the ACC for tournaments like this, and they’ll likely want to understand what’s going on. If there is something in the rulebook stating that attending press conferences is mandatory, then perhaps going forward, if a team fails to comply, a point could be deducted from their table. That might be a viable way forward,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also hired sports psychologist Dr Raheel Kareem to boost the team’s morale ahead of the crucial clash. The spirits are down in the Pakistan camp after their crushing defeat against India and the no-handshake controversy during the fixture.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also complained against match referee Andy Pycroft for not taking action against the Indian team after captain Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with their players. However, their demand to remove Pycroft wasn’t met by the ICC (International Cricket Council), and he’s set to officiate again in the India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash on September 21.

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