Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan faces a daunting challenge, having lost all seven of their last encounters with the arch-rival India. The match will be played on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Stadium.
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After India's two recent wins, Sunil Gavaskar's comments on Pakistan went viral. The former India captain had previously referred to the Men in Green as a "popatwadi" team after losing in the September 14 clash against India.
As the teams prepare to meet again on Sunday, September 28, Gavaskar has issued a clarification, explaining the context behind his remark.
Gavaskar clarifies Popatwadi Team comment on Pakistan
Hailing from Mumbai, Gavaskar is not the first to use the term "Popatwadi". According to the 76-year-old, former India player Dilip Sardesai, who played 30 Tests, had coined it long before the social media era.
By calling Pakistan a "Popatwadi team," Gavaskar likened them to a gully cricket side from Mumbai's Kalbadevi locality.
"Popatwadi is a gali [lane] in Kalbadevi, Mumbai. Dilip Sardesai coined this term to say 'this is a gully cricket team' and if you look at the first two matches, how Pakistan performed against India didn't look like they are a big international team," Gavaskar told Sports Today.
"I also clarified that the previous Pakistan sides have lost against India but it never looked like they could not challenge India like this Asia Cup. I said it about the first match but no disrespect," he further explained.
Gavaskar appeared particularly unimpressed with Pakistan’s performance in their first tournament encounter against India. Pakistan was restricted to just 127 runs in 20 overs, while India chased the target comfortably in 15.5 overs.
Pakistan showed more intent in their second match, posting 171 while batting first. However, Abhishek Sharma’s 74 off 39 balls turned the game around, and India secured a six-wicket victory.
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