Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was left puzzled on Sunday after Cricket Australia excluded him from presenting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. Following Australia’s six-wicket win in the series decider, cricket legend Allan Border handed the trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins.
Gavaskar, meanwhile, stood at the boundary ropes, sidelined despite being present at the ground for commentary duties. The awkward moment drew backlash on social media, prompting Cricket Australia (CA) to admit their mistake.
CA had pre-decided that Border would present the trophy if Australia won at the Sydney Cricket Ground, while Gavaskar would do so if India managed to level the series 2-2 with a victory in the fifth Test. However, the presentation unfolded without Gavaskar being called to the podium, leading to criticism from fans and raising questions about the fairness of the decision. In hindsight, CA acknowledged their error, stating that both Border and Gavaskar should have presented the trophy together.
Cricket Australia Admits Mistake
Cricket Australia conceded that their handling of the situation was flawed. A spokesperson for the board remarked, “We acknowledge it would have been preferable if both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar had been asked to go on stage.”
This statement came after Gavaskar expressed his disappointment and fans voiced their frustration online, emphasizing the symbolic importance of both cricketing icons being involved in the presentation of the trophy named after them.
Gavaskar, speaking to Code Sports, expressed his displeasure: “It’s the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, representing Australia and India. I was here on the ground, and it should not have mattered who won when it came to the presentation. I would have been happy to present the trophy with my good friend Allan Border.”
Gavaskar’s Reaction to the Snub
Although Gavaskar acknowledged that he had been informed before the match that only one of the two legends would present the trophy depending on the outcome, he was still left perplexed.
Speaking to ABC Sport, he said, “If India didn’t win or draw the series, I wouldn’t be required. I’m not feeling sad, but I do feel a bit puzzled. It’s the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and both of us should have been there.”
The incident has sparked conversations about the need for more inclusive and thoughtful decisions in cricket presentations, particularly when the event carries significant symbolic value.
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