'Your salaries depend on Indian revenue': Sunil Gavaskar hits back at former English cricketers

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has hit back at criticism from former England cricketers and commentators Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, who questioned the fairness of the ICC Champions Trophy's scheduling.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under fire for scheduling all of India's matches at a single venue, with former players and analysts arguing that this gives India an "unfair advantage" by allowing them to play in familiar conditions while other teams must adapt to different venues.

Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain criticised the ICC for allegedly favouring India, stating, "India has received an unfair advantage in the tournament as they are playing at just one venue, gaining the benefit of consistent conditions, while other teams have to adapt to different venues."

However, these complaints did not sit well with former Indian players.

Ex-cricketer Wasim Jaffer mocked the criticism, remarking,  "To stop people from complaining, India should have changed hotels in Dubai."

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar fired back at the English commentators, saying, "I think you should focus on your team. Why did they lose, and why couldn't they qualify?"

He further added, "You both need to take your eyes off the Indian team and focus on yourselves. I'm always complaining that India got this or that. We have better things to focus on, but this is your constant excuse."

Gavaskar also pointed out the financial reliance of some former cricketers on India’s cricket market, stating, "I want to remind both of them that a significant portion of their salaries also depends on India's revenue."

Australian captain Pat Cummins and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen also voiced concerns over the scheduling, questioning its fairness.