Former Pakistan players should lift their team up instead of criticising: Sunil Gavaskar

Pakistan would want to erase the past few days' memory. The hosts of the ongoing edition of the Champions Trophy bowed out of the group-stage of the marquee ODI tournament after going winless in their games. Although their final fixture against Bangladesh was a washout, they were comprehensively defeated by New Zealand (60 runs) and India (six wickets) to pretty much seal their fate.

Former Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar, urged ex-Pakistan cricketers to not be overly critical of their side and the members during the distressing spell the side was going through.  

"Well, I have to be honest, I don't really have much idea what happens in Pakistan. But what I've seen every time Pakistan doesn't do well is the barrage of criticism that comes from those who should instead support them. I can understand the the the common fan who gets disappointed, but those who have played the game before and those who know that, you know, winning is not, always possible. There will be losses. You will lose even to some ordinary teams," shared Gavaskar, as quoted by India Today.

Lift them up instead of criticizing: Gavaskar

The veteran cricketer also expressed that while pointing out mistakes committed was normal, going overboard in terms of harsh condemnation was something erstwhile Pakistani cricketers should refrain from engaging in.

"Not every time a batter goes, he scores a hundred. Not every time a bowler bowls, he gets five. So, if that's support, I think that support is essential for the current Pakistan team. Sometimes, when you know, when snippets are sent with some other former Pakistani cricketers having a go at the current team, you look at them and ask 'Hello, did you win every match that you played in for Pakistan? You didn't.' So, even this team is struggling a little bit. So, lift them up instead of criticizing. By all means, if there is some petty, ordinary cricket, and if it's your job to talk about it, talk about it. But after that, come back and support the team," added Gavaskar.

Notably, Pakistan were hosting their first ICC event in 29 years. The Champions Trophy 2025 was a severely disappointing one for the white-ball unit, especially after having quite a good 2024 in the ODI format. Their lacklustre efforts were a contrast to the manner they arrived in the tournament.