Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back after Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025. Speaking on live television alongside Ajay Jadeja, Virender Sehwag, and Irfan Pathan, Gavaskar mocked Salman Agha’s side, calling them a “Popatwadi team” — a slang term in local cricket used to describe a weak or below-standard team.
Gavaskar’s Harsh Verdict
Gavaskar, who has been watching Pakistan cricket for over six decades, said this was the weakest Pakistan team he had ever seen.
“I don’t know whether Ajay, Viru or Irfan agree with me, but I have followed Pakistan cricket since the 1960s. Today is the first time I felt that this is not a Pakistan team. Yeh koi Popatwadi team hai,” Gavaskar remarked on Sony Sports Network.
He also recalled his long association with Indo-Pak cricket — from running to Wankhede Stadium in the 1960s to watch Hanif Mohammad, to facing legends like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Zaheer Abbas, and later witnessing Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar in action. Gavaskar said it was hard to digest how drastically the quality of Pakistan cricket has fallen.
India’s Dominance Over Pakistan
Once fierce rivals, the balance of power in India–Pakistan cricket has tilted sharply in India’s favour. India’s latest win was their 11th in the last 14 T20Is against Pakistan. The last time Pakistan defeated India in T20 cricket was back in the 2022 Asia Cup, while their most recent ODI win dates to the 2017 Champions Trophy final — eight years ago.
According to Gavaskar, the one-sided nature of these matches shows just how far Pakistan cricket has slipped compared to India’s steady rise.
Predictable Outcomes Ahead
Sunday’s clash could have been an opportunity for Pakistan’s younger players to script a new chapter. But once again, India dominated from start to finish, leaving little room for surprises.
As Gavaskar put it, Indo-Pak encounters have become “too predictable.” With both teams set to meet again in the Super Fours, fans are already expecting the same result unless Pakistan can produce a miracle.
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