Emerged former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has requested the media not to be harsh on the Indian cricket team during this ongoing controversy of whether they would play in the future Asia Cup or not. There is an increasing trend about India not playing the tournament due to the current standoff with Pakistan, in the wake of the heinous terrorist attacks at Pahalgam, India. Gavaskar relayed that the players will nonetheless proceed with what the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will instruct, itself getting commands from the Government of India. The former captain went on further to state that the players were not involved at all with the whole situation, as the government had the last word when it came to national interest(s). Here is what stated Gavaskar, as quoted by India Today: "If the government has taken a call, I don’t see how the players can be criticised or commented upon, because the players at the end of the day are contracted to the BCCI and they will be taking the instructions from the Government of India. And so, it entirely depends on that,” “The players are helpless in this. They’ve been selected to play in the Asia Cup, and if the government says you have to play, then they will go out and play. If the government says you don’t, then the BCCI will act accordingly. Like I said, it is entirely up to the Government of India to tell the BCCI what to do,” he remarked. Read also: Rayudu on Boundary Rope Row in T20 WC Final Catch Controversy The 76-year-old opined on the 15-man team, which was revealed at the BCCI office in Mumbai in a meeting by All India Men's Senior Selection Committee head Ajit Agarkar on August 19. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, selector Shiv Sunder Das, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia were also part of the meeting for the team, along with others like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya. “This is a fabulous squad. It has depth in batting, variety in the left and right-hand combinations, and terrific balance in bowling as well. It’s a fantastic team,” concluded Gavaskar. The outrage regarding the two countries being a part of world affairs had increased considerably following the cross-border tensions after the recent ghastly terrorist strikes in Pahalgam. The last time India and Pakistan clashed in a bilateral series was way back during December 2012 and January 2013.