‘This is not a Pakistan team, it’s Popatwadi’: Watch what Sunil Gavaskar said after India–Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2025

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s display in the Asia Cup 2025 clash against India, describing the side as a “Popatwadi team.” Speaking after India’s dominant win in Dubai on Sunday, Gavaskar said he had been following Pakistan cricket since the 1960s but had never seen such a performance.

“I have been watching Pakistan teams since 1960. I used to catch local to watch Hanif Muhammad in the Brabourne stadium. For the first time I have felt that this is no Pakistan team, this is Popatwadi team,” Gavaskar said.

India defeated Pakistan in Group A clash

India restricted Pakistan to 127/9 in their 20 overs before chasing down the target in 15.5 overs with seven wickets in hand. The win marked India’s first meeting with Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.

Shoaib Akhtar also critical

The comments from Gavaskar came after former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticised his own team’s performance and compared their standard of play to “club-level cricket.” Akhtar said Pakistan’s batting was exposed once again and questioned why tail-ender Shaheen Shah Afridi scored more freely than the recognised top-order batters.

No handshake controversy

The match also made headlines for what happened after the final ball. Pakistan players waited for the customary handshake, but Indian players did not join in. Footage later showed the Indian team closing their dressing room door. Shoaib Akhtar expressed disappointment over the gesture and urged players not to “make cricket political.”

The India–Pakistan rivalry has often extended beyond the field, with political tensions adding weight to every contest. Ahead of the Asia Cup fixture, there were calls in India not to play against Pakistan, but tournament rules made it clear that forfeiting matches was not possible. India’s players, however, appeared to reflect the national sentiment in their post-match behaviour, while Pakistan’s poor showing drew strong words from both sides of the border.