New Delhi: The controversy of Jadeja Stokes towards the end of the fourth test in Manchester led to a fierce online debate. But much worse, he performed during the 1983 Bangalore test against Pakistan when the skipper Zaheer Abbas had arbitrarily left the field with his team on the last day by leaving the first match of Sunil Gavaskar blocked on 86.The you reported that the game was interrupted for 27 minutes while Sandeep Patil wrote in his autobiography, “Sandy Storm”, that “half an hour” was wasted. Gavaskar, who suffered from a “bronchial infection” for the previous two days, his opening partner Anshuman Gaekwad and the two referees, Madhav Gothoskar and Swaroop Kishen, remained on the ground during this period.
In his book, “Runs” n Ruins “, Gavaskar has strongly recreated the scene at the stadium. “The crowd became reluctant and impatient and had started to huer and shout a little angry now.The report of the Times of India detailed what had led to the exit of the Pakistani team. “Zaheer’s assertion was that Pakistan had finished its 77 -overtime quota for the day…. There were a lot of arguments on the rules before the darker advice prevailed over Zaheer and the Intikhab Alam manager… He (Zaheer) gave in for the referees of the last day when the stipulation of the obligatory obligatives did not apply the situation.
Sunil Gavaskar
Interestingly, the report also said that the arbitrators had clearly explained the law to Zaheer, affectionately called Zed, in the morning. “He may have seen the light when he was clearly indicated that the match would be awarded to India if his team did not come back to the field, the English captain (Ray) Illingworth had acted in the same way during the visit of Australia and had to bring his team,” said you. The newspaper added: “A potentially explosive situation was thus defused.“”Despite the considerable waste of time, the light was good enough for the game to resume. “After this kind of drama, we are disturbed, in particular a drummer. But Sunil, without any problem, finished his hundreds,” wrote Patil. Gavaskar’s description said: “When the game finally started, I managed to arrive in my century in the 20th (compulsory). While the ball moved to the border, I gave a look at Zaheer and that he was already walking towards the pavilion with his players and we followed.“It was Sunny’s 28th test, leaving him one less than Don Bradman’s record 29 centuries. Gavaskar finished 34 centuries of testing.Madan Lal, the versatile, who received mom in this match, told you by phone that it was the right decision and in the rules to recall the Pakistani team. “A drummer works hard to reach a century. Why shouldn’t he be allowed to finish it?” He asked.Everyone in the Pakistani team did not tolerate Zaheer’s action. “Zaheer’s assessment had left a bad taste in the mouth and later in the evening on the flight for Delhi, some of his players criticized his actions, which, they were useless and inferior,” said Gavaskar. For the record, the test ended with a tamed draw.
This shows why Pakistan-India rivalry is so intense even today. Both teams always try to get psycological advantage over other. That match was turning point in relationship between two teams I think.
Absolutely disgracful behaviour by Pakistan cricket team. Gavaskar was one of finest batsman ever and denying him his well deserved century shows lack of character and sporting spirit. This kind incidents should never happen in gentelmans game.
Everyone acting like Gavaskar was some innocent victim here but conveniently forgetting how slow he was batting. Pakistan did what they had to do for there team intrests. Stop making villians out of them!
Beautiful display of strategic cricket! Sometimes the mental game is more importnt than physical. Gavaskar probably still thinks about those 14 runs he couldnt score lol
Haha imagine being so scared of Gavaskar getting century that you literally leave the ground 😂 Pakistan team was like “nope we’re not giving him satisfaction” and just walked away. Comedy gold!
This was one of most unsporting moment in crickethistroy. Pakistan team should be ashamed of themself for doing such cheap tactics against Great Gavaskar saab. He deserved that century but they denied him unfairly.
Ah yes, the famous “if we can’t win, nobody can” strategy. Truly inspiring stuff from Pakistan team. Im sure all cricket coaches around world teach this tactic to their students. “When in doubt, just leave the stadium” – Sun Tzu, Art of Cricket 😂
Such a shameful chapter in cricket history. My father still talks about this match with anger. Gavaskar deserved that century, he batted brillantly for hours and Pakistan just robbed him of moment of glory. Really sad and unfair thing to do to any player no matter which country he plays for.
For those who dont know the context – this incident happend in 1978-79 series when Pakistan declared their innings and refused to bowl further overs, effectively ending the match with Gavaskar unbeaten on 86. It was controversial decision by Mushtaq Mohammad who was captain at that time.
Oh wow, what a “gentlemen’s game” cricket is! Leaving a batsman stranded at 86… such sportsmanship, much class. I’m sure this incident will be remembered in the hall of fame of great cricketing moments lol
Why people still crying about this? It was within rules. Captain has every right to declare innings whenver they want. If Gavaskar wanted century he should have scored faster not wasted time. Stop being sentimental and understand game properly!