The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which began with intense rivalry and high drama, concluded with yet another controversy. While Australia secured a historic victory over India after 10 years, the closing ceremony was marred by the glaring absence of Sunil Gavaskar, the Indian cricket legend after whom the trophy is named.
Despite being present at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Gavaskar was notably absent when Australian captain Pat Cummins received the trophy from former Australian captain Allan Border. This sparked criticism, especially since Gavaskar, being a key figure in the history of the series, should have been included.
In an interview, Gavaskar revealed he had not been invited by Cricket Australia. He stated, “I received no invitation—no email, phone call, or message from Cricket Australia.” He also mentioned that the channel he was commentating for was told by Cricket Australia that if India had won the final test and the series had been drawn, he would be invited to present the trophy; otherwise, Allan Border would present it.
Cricket Australia later admitted that it would have been better if both legends, Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, were present on stage. The omission of Gavaskar from the ceremony remains a point of contention, overshadowing Australia’s historic win.
