'Gavaskar once fled Sharjah to escape Pakistan': Inzamam-ul-Haq calls out India legend after attack on Rizwan and Co.

Inzamam-ul-Haq calls out Sunil Gavaskar after attack on Mohammad Rizwan and Co. post Champions Trophy humiliation

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is settled with India lifting the prestigious title for the third time in Dubai on Sunday but the war of words between the former cricketers continue. Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq has hit back at batting maestro Sunil Gavaskar over his remarks at the current Pakistan team post their debacle in the Champions Trophy, the first ICC tournament which the country hosted in almost three decades.

Gavaskar had berated Mohammad Rizwan and Co. following their exit from the Champions Trophy, stating that even India B team would give this Pakistan unit a run for their money. "I think a B team (from India) certainly (can give Pakistan a run for their money). C team, I am not too sure. But a B team will be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form," were Gavaskar's exact words.

The comment didn't sit well with Inzamam, and taking shot at the batting legend,  the former Pakistan skipper said the remarks only demeans Gavaskar's legacy. He also claimed that the Indian legend had once fled from Sharjah just to avoid meeting Pakistan.

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"India won the match, they played well but Mr. Gavaskar should also take a look at stats. He once fled Sharjah to escape from playing against Pakistan. He is older than us; he is our senior. We greatly respect him, but you should not speak about a country like that. Sure, you have the right to praise your team as much as you want, but commenting like this on other teams is in bad taste," Inzamam said on a local news channel.

"Tell him to look at stats, and he'll know where Pakistan is. I am deeply hurt that he gave such a statement. He was a great, respectful cricketer, but by making such comments, he is only demeaning his legacy. He should control his tongue," he added.

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Inzamam-ul-Haq calls for IPL boycott

Inzaman recently attacking BCCI over their refusal to send the team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy had called for IPL boycott. Reacting to the venue row, with many ex-cricketers accusing India of having an "advantage", Inzaman said: "Keep aside the Champions Trophy. Top players participate in IPL but Indian players don't participate in other leagues. Other boards should stop sending their players to IPL. If you (BCCI) don't release your players for leagues, then other boards should take a stance."