BGT 2024-25: Cricket Australia breaks silence on Sunil Gavaskar's absence for trophy presentation

Cricket Australia (CA) faced a string of criticism after legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was sidelined during the presentation of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) following the fifth Test.

The incident took place after Australia clinched the series 3-1 with a six-wicket victory in the New Year's Test, reclaiming the historic trophy after a decade. While Australian icon Allan Border presented the trophy to skipper Pat Cummins, Gavaskar was left standing near the boundary ropes.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after two cricketing greats, Australia’s Allan Border and India’s Sunil Gavaskar, indicates one of the fiercest rivalries in Test cricket. Traditionally, the presentation involves both legends when possible.

However, CA had pre-decided that if Australia won the series, Border alone would present the trophy, and if India retained the title, Gavaskar would take the honors. This arrangement led to a surprising scenario on Sunday, as Gavaskar, present for commentary duties at the SCG, was not invited to the podium. However, CA spokesperson opened up about the situation.

"We acknowledge it would have been preferable if both Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar had been asked to go on stage,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

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It is BGT, both of us should have been there: Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar himself expressed his displeasure over the incident. The former India captain revealed that he would have loved to present the trophy to the winning team along with his dear friend, Border.

“I certainly would have loved to have been there for the presentation. After all it is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and it is about Australia and India. I mean, I am here on the ground. To me it should not matter that Australia won when it comes to the presentation. They played better cricket so they won. That’s fine. Just because I am an Indian (I did not present the trophy). I would have been happy to present the trophy with my good friend Allan Border,” Gavaskar told Code Sports.

The former India player said that he isn't sad about the situation but is perplexed and feels both him and Border should have been on that podium to hand over the trophy to the winning team.

"If India didn't win or draw the series I wouldn't be required. I'm not feeling sad, but I'm just feeling a little perplexed. It's the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both of us should have been there," he told ABC Sport.