Inzamam-ul-Haq has responded strongly to Sunil Gavaskar’s recent comments about Pakistan’s cricket team. The comments by Gavaskar had come after India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
Gavaskar had highlighted the growing performance gap between the two cricket nations, noting India’s recent dominance. Despite Pakistan leading in overall head-to-head matches, they have lost their last six international encounters against India.
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While Inzamam has publicly criticised Pakistan’s team and Mohammad Rizwan’s performances, he believes Gavaskar’s latest remarks crossed a line. He accused the Indian cricket legend of deliberately avoiding a match against Pakistan in the past.
“India won the match, they played well but Mr. Gavaskar should also take a look at stats. He once fled Sharjah to escape from playing against Pakistan. He is older than us; he is our senior. We greatly respect him, but you should not speak about a country like that. Sure, you have the right to praise your team as much as you want, but commenting like this on other teams is in bad taste.”
“Tell him to look at stats, and he’ll know where Pakistan is. I am deeply hurt that he gave such a statement. He was a great, respectful cricketer, but by making such comments, he is only demeaning his legacy. He should control his tongue.”
Gavaskar’s controversial statement had suggested India’s second-string team could challenge Pakistan. “I think a B team (from India) certainly (can give Pakistan a run for their money). C team, I am not too sure. But a B team will be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form.”
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie had also dismissed Gavaskar’s comments as ‘nonsense’.
The Champions Trophy marked Pakistan’s first ICC event hosting in 29 years, following their co-hosting of the 1996 World Cup. However, the tournament proved disappointing for the host nation.
Pakistan failed to advance to the semi-finals after losses to New Zealand and India. Their match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was cancelled due to rain.
Pakistan only managed to play one match on home soil during the tournament, the opening game against New Zealand in Lahore on February 19.
