Australia won the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the series 3-1 and capturing the title after 10 years. However, a major omission in the celebration of this victory created controversy. Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar was not called on the stage for the trophy presentation ceremony.

Not calling Gavaskar: Insulting the legend?

When the trophy was handed over to the Australian team, only Allan Border was present on the stage. Many questions were raised over not inviting Sunil Gavaskar, after whom the prestigious trophy is named. This incident hurt not only the Indian fans but also Gavaskar himself.

Cricket Australia gave clarification

Following criticism over the incident, Cricket Australia admitted its mistake. His spokesperson issued a statement:
“We believe that it would have been better if both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar had been invited on the stage.”

Gavaskar’s anger and statement

Gavaskar expressed his displeasure even on sports and said:
“I did not receive any message or mail from Cricket Australia regarding this. I was told by the producer of Channel 7 that if India won this match and the series was drawn, I would be called to present the trophy. But if Australia wins, only Allan Border will present the trophy.”

he adds:
“Nobody told me anything directly. This is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is a common heritage of both India and Australia. I was present in the stadium and it doesn’t matter to me who wins. But I should have had the honor of presenting the trophy with my friend Allan Border.”

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: A shared history

The Border–Gavaskar Trophy, played between India and Australia in 1996–1997, is one of the most prestigious bilateral series in cricket history. This trophy has been made in honor of the great players of both the countries, Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border.

Effect of fans’ anger and controversy

There was anger among fans on social media over Gavaskar being kept out of the trophy presentation ceremony. Indian fans termed it as Cricket Australia’s negligence and insensitivity towards Indian cricket.

Rahul Dev

Cricket Jounralist at Newsdesk

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