Sunil Gavaskar humiliated during the Border Gavaskar Trophy presentation ceremony

In a surprising turn of events, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was notably absent from the presentation ceremony of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite the series being named after him and Australian great Allan Border. The India vs Australia Test series, which has been one of the most iconic rivalries in cricket, concluded with Australia emerging victorious after a hard-fought five-match series. The presentation ceremony, which is usually a moment of great pride for both teams, saw Allan Border take center stage as he handed over the coveted trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins. While Border, as a former player and the namesake of the trophy, was naturally present, the absence of Gavaskar left many surprised. Gavaskar, who is not only a cricketing icon but also a key figure in the history of the Border-Gavaskar series, has played a pivotal role in fostering the historic rivalry between India and Australia.

The absence of Gavaskar from the event raised eyebrows, especially considering his immense contribution to Indian cricket and his integral association with the series. The reasons for his exclusion were not immediately clear, but it was certainly an odd moment in what was an otherwise memorable series. The final moments of the trophy handover were dominated by Allan Border and Pat Cummins, while Gavaskar’s absence continued to be a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike.

An upset Sunil Gavaskar shared his thoughts after the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, expressing disappointment over not being invited to present the trophy. In a candid statement, Gavaskar alleged that he was overlooked for the role because of his Indian nationality. The legendary cricketer, who has been an integral part of the history and legacy of the India-Australia rivalry, felt sidelined during the presentation ceremony.

Gavaskar emphasized that it would have been a special moment for him to hand over the trophy alongside his close friend, Australian legend Allan Border. The series, which is named after both players, holds a deep connection to their rivalry and friendship, making Gavaskar's exclusion from the event all the more significant. Though Gavaskar refrained from naming anyone specifically, his comments hinted at the frustration he felt regarding the oversight. The absence of such a prominent figure from the ceremony, especially given his longstanding association with the Border-Gavaskar series, raised questions and led to widespread discussions among fans and pundits. It was an unfortunate moment in what had been a gripping Test series, overshadowing the on-field action with off-field controversy.

“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,” said former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar in an interview. 

“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,” he added.

Sunil Gavaskar revealed that organizers told him he was not needed for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy presentation if Australia won the series and reclaimed the trophy. He expressed his confusion and disappointment at this decision, especially since the series is named after him and Australian legend Allan Border. Gavaskar, a key figure in the historic rivalry between India and Australia, was taken aback by the exclusion, feeling that his absence from the ceremony was unjustified. He had hoped to share the moment of handing over the trophy with his good friend Border, marking the significance of the occasion. 

"I was told just before the Test started that was going to be the situation. 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," Gavaskar concluded.