'Just because I'm an Indian' - Sunil Gavaskar on not being invited to present Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was initiated in 1996 to commemorate the legendary India batter, Sunil Gavaskar and Australia’s Allan Border for their contributions. Since then, both India and Australia have tussled hard to claim the trophy and the latest version was won by Australia as they beat India in the fifth and final Test to emerge victorious by 3-1 in the series.

But when the trophy was being presented to the Australian team at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 5, Gavaskar was not invited and Border alone presented the trophy, keeping the traditional ceremonial gesture away. The former India opener, who was also the first cricketer in history to breach the 10000-run mark in Tests, commented on his snub despite him being present at the ground, and admitted that he 'would have been happy to present the trophy'.

"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 (the Australians) played better cricket, so they won. That's fine. Just because I am an Indian (they did not invite me for trophy presentation). I would have been happy to present the trophy with my good friend Allan Border,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Code Sports.

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After losing the first Test in Perth, Australia made a resounding comeback in Adelaide to win the second Test. Though the third game in Brisbane ended up in a draw due to incessant rain, they were clinical in Melbourne to win the Boxing Day Test. The New Year’s Test was a do-or-die game for the Indians to level the series and retain the trophy. But their batting woes continued as Australia chased 162 on Day 3 with six wickets remaining.