Kolkata, March 2: Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri expressed strong reservations about the laser show staged during India's Super 8 clash against West Indies at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday.
During the brief break, the stadium lights were dimmed, and a laser show illuminated the ground. However, Gavaskar and Shastri were not impressed, questioning the timing given the importance of the match and its potential impact on players' concentration and eyesight.
"The laser show during the two-and-a-half or three minutes of the break… it's not easy for the batters, or anyone for that matter. To get your eyes used to the light, to get the bright lights back, you have darkness around you," Gavaskar said during commentary.
"You have a laser show going on. This is the World Cup. And for two and a half minutes, do you need this kind of entertainment? In the IPL, it's fine in the middle of the IPL. Not in the knockout rounds, but in the middle of the IPL, that's fine. But here, in the World Cup, do we need these laser shows during the break?" he added.
Shastri echoed these concerns, highlighting the difficulty players face in regaining focus after such interruptions. "And from the players' perspective, to switch back on, is never easy. It's a serious issue," he said.
With a semi-final spot at stake, both former captains stressed that maintaining optimal playing conditions should take precedence over mid-innings entertainment during a global tournament of such significance.
The match ultimately ended in India's favour as the hosts clinched a five-wicket victory, thanks to Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97. The "Blue" will continue their title defense against England in the second semi-final on March 5.
