Gavaskar angers Pakistan team Click here for more on this story Posted: Friday June 04, 1999 02:30 PM   Sunil Gavaskar's comments could heighten tensions at the upcoming match between Pakistan and India. AP LONDON (AP) -- The Pakistani team Friday reacted angrily to former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar's television comments that their supporters create tension in the stands because they cannot hold their liquor. "How can you generalize like that?" asked Zafar Altaf, the team manager, responding to Gavaskar's statement broadcast Friday on Sky television where the former opener is commentating. Gavaskar's comments come just a day before Pakistan meets South Africa in Trent Bridge where hundreds of Pakistani supporters are expected to cheer for their team. But they could also inflame the crowd when India and Pakistan meet at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The two nations are already in conflict in a military sense over their border in Kashmir and security at Old Trafford is already expected to be tight. In the comments taped Thursday during a panel discussion on Sky Sports' World Cup Center, Gavaskar was asked whether there might be some kind of disturbance. "It could happen, because I don't think the fans are segregated" the former Indian test star replied. "Here the tickets have been sold in such a way that you could be sitting next to a Pakistani fan and unfortunately I think Indians and Pakistanis, when they do have a drink, they are not able to hold their drink." Altaf said Gavaskar's comments are even more offensive because Pakistanis, who are mostly Muslims, are forbidden by their religion from drinking alcohol. "Drinking is against our religion. You cannot indulge in character assassination," he said. He said Gavaskar appears to have become victim of a commentator's folly. "Commentators have to make remarks and they make a lot of irresponsible remarks," he said. The Pakistani team, however, is unlikely to make an official protest. "We are only concerned about playing," he said.   Related information Stories Australia defeats India by 77 runs in Super Six match Indian police arrest 90 on charges of betting British police concerned with India-Pakistan match Multimedia Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI. Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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