Basit Ali Slams Sunil Gavaskar's Anti-Pakistan Remarks: 'Stupid'
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali reacted sharply to Sunil Gavaskar's remarks against Pakistan, calling him an 'idiot'. Gavaskar had criticised Pakistan after the terror attack in Pahalgam. The controversy has further increased the tension in India-Pakistan cricket relations.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has slammed Pakistan amid the ongoing tension between the two countries after the recent deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. 26 people were killed in the attack in Pahalgam. Gavaskar had made a controversial comment and indicated that the Pakistan team was unlikely to take part in the upcoming 2025 T20 Asia Cup to be held in India later this year.
Sunil Gavaskar's comments did not go down well with many former Pakistani cricketers including Javed Miandad and Iqbal Qasim. While Miandad and Qasim were diplomatic in their response, former batsman Basit Ali launched a scathing attack on Gavaskar.
Basit Ali even called Sunil Gavaskar stupid for making anti-Pakistan comments on the deadly terror attacks in Kashmir's Pahalgam last month. Ali also said that Gavaskar should refrain from making such statements and let the investigation take its course first.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already been barred by the Indian government from playing the bilateral series with Pakistan. As of now, the two countries only play against each other in events like ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will invite Pakistan to India for the 2025 Asia Cup later this year. The 2026 T20 World Cup will also be held in India. There are also many rumours indicating that the Indian government may boycott Pakistan in the coming months. However, no official statement has been issued by the cricket boards of the two countries so far.