“If a team fails to comply, a point could be deducted from their table” - Sunil Gavaskar slams Pakistan team for skipping pre-match press conference ahead of India clash

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar has opened up on the Pakistan team skipping the pre-match press conference ahead of their Super Four stage contest against India, on Sunday, September 21, in Dubai.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Gavaskar has roasted the Pakistan team on what exactly they were thinking about themselves. He also stated that it’s very important to keep open communication with the media instead of relying on sources or reports. 

“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 feels they have nothing to share, which, frankly, isn’t surprising,” Gavaskar told India Today.

Moreover, Gavaskar also shared a few words on the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief. He also felt that there needs to be a point deduction if a team skips the press conference and make it mandatory going forward.

“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.

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