Follow UsDue to the hybrid model adopted because BCCI refused to travel to Pakistan, India men's cricket team are playing all their games in Dubai in the ICC Champions Trophy. While teams playing against them have had to travel in and out of Pakistan to the UAE to play their games.
Many former and current international cricketers, including Naseer Hussain, Pat Cummins, Michael Atherton, and Rassie van der Dussen, have questioned India's undeniable advantage in the tournament by playing all their games in Dubai.
However, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar didn't agree, asking Hussain and Atherton to look at their own team and stop moaning about India’s advantage.
“I think these are all wise and experienced people. Why don't you actually look at why your team has not qualified? That's what I was going to ask you, sir,” Gavaskar told India Today.
“Rather than constantly focusing on India, are you even looking at your own backyard? Your players are in such a fragile mental state-they don't seem to care about results as long as they meet certain expectation.
“You must care about results. You must care for your country, for any team you play for. If you are playing for your country, the responsibility is even greater.”
Gavaskar reminded Atherton and Hussain that their salaries as broadcasters also comes because of what India brings to world cricket in terms of revenue and international sway.
“As I said before, it’s not even worth commenting on. It really isn’t. They are always moaning,” Gavaskar rebuked.
“They just cannot seem to understand where India stands in international cricket, in terms of quality, income, talent, and, more importantly, in terms of generating revenue.
“India’s contribution to global cricket, through television rights and media revenue, plays a massive role. They need to understand that their salaries also come from what India brings to the world of cricket.”