Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by beating India 3-1. But the controversy that raged throughout the series reached the trophy stage. Aussie legend Allan Border handed over the trophy to Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground today. Sunil Gavaskar did not get a call even from being present at the stadium. The Indian legend expressed disappointment in this regard.
Gavaskar is in Australia as a commentator for Star Sports, the channel that broadcasts the series. He was seen on the television screen in the entire series. The name of the trophy is Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Boarder handed over the trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins today. Gavaskar was not invited to the award distribution stage. India-Australia have been playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 1996-97.
Expressing disappointment, Gavaskar said, 'Regardless of the result, it would have been nice to be on the stage when the trophy was handed over. It is the Boarder-Gavaskar Trophy. The emotions of Indian and Australian cricket fans are connected with this. I was in the field. But I didn't get a call to go on stage.'
However, on behalf of the host Australia, it was previously announced that Gavaskar will not be called if Australia wins. Boarder would not have been called again if India won the series. Still, Gavaskar refused to accept the matter, 'Australia won the trophy this time. This is not an issue. They won because they played well. Being only an Indian, I didn't get a chance to hand over the trophy to them. I would be happy if I could share the stage with my old friend Boarder.'
Later, Cricket Australia told the media that Sunil Gavaskar and Alan Boarder should have been invited to the award ceremony. We made a mistake. We thought Gavaskar would give the award if India won. Australia won so Boarder handed over the trophy to the winning captain.
Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar trophy after 10 years by defeating India by 6 wickets in the final Test of the series in Sydney today. They have also qualified for the final of the Test Championship at Lord's next June. Their opponent there is South Africa.
