Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar didn’t mince words after India’s emphatic seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage clash held at the Dubai International Stadium. In a post-match broadcast on Sony Sports Network, Gavaskar referred to the Pakistan team as a “Popatwadi team”—a slang term from Mumbai’s cricketing circles used to describe a weak or amateur side.
The comment, delivered with characteristic candor, came after Pakistan collapsed to a paltry 127/9 in their innings, which India chased down with 25 balls to spare. Gavaskar’s remarks have since gone viral, igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media, cricketing circles, and diplomatic corridors.
Match Summary: India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025
| Team | Innings Score | Top Performer | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 127/9 (20 overs) | Saim Ayub – 2 wickets | Lost by 7 wickets |
| India | 128/3 (16.5 overs) | Suryakumar Yadav – 47* | Won |
India’s dominance was evident from the outset, with the bowling trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy dismantling Pakistan’s batting order. In reply, India’s top order cruised to the target, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47.
Gavaskar’s ‘Popatwadi’ Remark: Context and Reaction
| Speaker | Statement |
|---|---|
| Sunil Gavaskar | “Yeh koi Popatwadi team hai… This is not the Pakistan team I’ve followed for decades.” |
| Ajay Jadeja | Smiled, did not comment |
| Irfan Pathan | Appeared surprised |
| Virender Sehwag | Nodded in agreement |
Gavaskar reminisced about running from Churchgate to Wankhede Stadium in the 1960s to watch Hanif Mohammad play, contrasting that era’s Pakistan team with the current side. He lamented the lack of fight and skill, saying, “This did not look like the Pakistan cricket team to me. It looked more like a Popatwadi team.”
The term “Popatwadi” is colloquial slang in Mumbai cricket, often used to describe a team lacking professionalism or competitive edge. Gavaskar’s use of the term was a scathing indictment of Pakistan’s performance and cricketing standards.
Pakistan’s Performance Breakdown
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salman Agha (Captain) | 14 | 22 | LBW by Axar Patel |
| Babar Azam | 9 | 15 | Caught by Tilak Verma |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 6 | 10 | Bowled by Kuldeep Yadav |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 3 | 8 | Bowled by Chakravarthy |
| Total | 127/9 | — | — |
Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to build partnerships, with only two players crossing double digits. Their decision to field just one pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, raised eyebrows even before the match began.
India’s Chase: Calm and Clinical
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | 47* | 37 | 127.02 | Not out |
| Abhishek Sharma | 31 | 13 | 238.46 | Caught by Rizwan |
| Tilak Verma | 31 | 22 | 140.91 | Bowled by Ayub |
India’s chase was marked by aggressive strokeplay and composure. Abhishek Sharma took Afridi apart in the powerplay, while Suryakumar anchored the innings with finesse.
Post-Match Drama: No Handshakes, Silent Protest
Following the match, Indian players walked off without the customary handshake, leaving the Pakistani team stunned. Captain Salman Agha skipped the post-match interview, and team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a formal protest, calling the gesture “unsporting and against the spirit of the game”.
| Incident | Reaction |
|---|---|
| No handshake | Pakistan team surprised |
| Captain skips interview | Silent protest |
| Formal complaint | Lodged by team manager |
The incident added fuel to the already heated rivalry, with fans and pundits debating the ethics of post-match conduct.
Expert Reactions and Media Buzz
| Expert/Outlet | Comment |
|---|---|
| Wasim Akram | “Ajeeb team selection. Only one pacer?” |
| R Ashwin | “Don’t think this Pakistan team has a lot of class.” |
| Indian Express | “World champions’ superiority makes neighbours’ demolition seem routine.” |
| NDTV Sports | “Gavaskar roasted Pakistan on live TV.” |
The media has largely echoed Gavaskar’s sentiment, highlighting the growing gulf between the two teams.
Historical Comparison: India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup
| Year | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | India | 9 wickets | Dubai |
| 2022 | Pakistan | 5 wickets | Sharjah |
| 2023 | India | 6 wickets | Colombo |
| 2025 | India | 7 wickets | Dubai |
India’s dominance in recent Asia Cup encounters underscores the shift in cricketing power dynamics.
Social Media Reaction: #PopatwadiTeam Trends
| Platform | Trending Hashtag | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | #PopatwadiTeam | Humorous, mocking |
| #INDvPAK | Celebratory | |
| #GavaskarUnfiltered | Mixed reactions |
Fans flooded social media with memes, video edits, and commentary, turning Gavaskar’s remark into a viral moment.
Conclusion: Gavaskar’s Brutal Honesty Reflects India’s Cricketing Supremacy
Sunil Gavaskar’s “Popatwadi” comment may have ruffled feathers, but it reflects a broader truth: India’s cricketing machinery is miles ahead of Pakistan’s current setup. From grassroots development to tactical execution, India’s superiority was on full display in the Asia Cup 2025 clash.
As Pakistan grapples with internal selection issues and strategic misfires, Gavaskar’s words serve as both critique and wake-up call. For India, the win reaffirms their status as world champions and sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified news sources, and expert commentary. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute sports betting or diplomatic advice. All figures and developments are subject to change based on future matches and official statements.
