'Point could be deducted from their table...: Sunil Gavaskar blasts PCB as Pakistan refuse to attend media ahead of Asia Cup 2025 clash against India

Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar slammed Pakistan for refusing to attend the media ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India. This was the second instance that Pakistan cancelled their pre-match conference, as they had done so earlier before featuring against the UAE in their last league stage.

The Men in Green are currently under pressure after their humiliating seven-wicket defeat against India in the group stage fixture, and the skipper, Salman Agha, has been avoiding facing the media.

Legendary Indian 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. However, Sunil Gavaskar reckons that their decision to snub the press conference again could attract sanctions from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

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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.

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Gavaskar further suggested that the 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.

Pakistan's Super Four clash against India is scheduled to take place on September 21 at iconic Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.