Gavaskar Jokes With Hardik Pandya About IPL Comeback
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar shared a hilarious moment with Hardik Pandya after India’s win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash. The former opener revealed that Pandya complimented him on his fitness, and Gavaskar’s witty response quickly went viral.
“Hardik Pandya told me I look very fit,” Gavaskar said after the match.
“So I told him, alright, consider me for the Mumbai Indians during the IPL,” he added with a laugh.
The light-hearted exchange came after a dominant performance by the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team, which continues its strong run in the Asia Cup 2025.
Gavaskar Criticises Pakistan Over Match Delay
Apart from his banter with Pandya, Gavaskar also expressed his frustration over the delayed Pakistan vs UAE match in the same tournament. The game was postponed by an hour due to a bizarre ‘handshake controversy’ involving Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Pakistan had reportedly demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft after Suryakumar did not shake hands with Agha following their group-stage clash. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) even threatened to boycott the UAE match if Pycroft was not replaced.
However, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the demand, PCB delayed their team’s departure, causing the game to start late. Eventually, the match began following talks between PCB officials, Pycroft, and the ICC.
Gavaskar didn’t hold back his criticism of the incident.
“The other thing that left a sour taste in the mouth is holding up the game and starting it one hour late. If the PCB had any issues to discuss with and about the match referee Andy Pycroft, then it had two full days after their loss to India and before the game against the UAE in which to do so,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.
“By keeping everybody in suspense and not even turning up at the ground until almost the toss time, they held the game to ransom. There is simply no excuse for delaying the start of the game for an hour while haggling to get an apology from the match referee for something that was also not in any of the rule books,” he added.
The controversy overshadowed the match itself and drew strong criticism from cricketing figures, with Gavaskar calling Pakistan’s actions “unprofessional” and damaging to the sport’s spirit.
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