Australian media flabbergasted at Shreyas Iyer's 'extraordinary' Asia Cup axe: 'OH MY GOD! It's a Punjab conspiracy'

By Admin

23 Aug, 2025

The omission of Shreyas Iyer from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has not only shaken the cricketing fraternity in India but also caught the attention of Australian media, leaving many baffled. The decision, announced by BCCI selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, has sparked widespread debate, criticism, and conspiracy theories across the cricketing world.

Shockwaves Across India

Shreyas Iyer, 30, was a notable absentee from the 15-member squad. The move came as a shock to fans and former cricketers alike, with many voicing their disappointment and disbelief. Iyer’s father, Santosh, openly questioned what more his son had to do to earn a place, while former India coach Abhishek Nayar accused Agarkar of favoritism. Manoj Tiwary even pointed fingers at Gautam Gambhir, and former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin joined the chorus of voices expressing astonishment at the decision.

Australian Media Reacts with Disbelief

The shock wasn’t limited to India. On the LiSTNR Sport podcast hosted by Adam Peacock, Australian cricket personalities Alyssa Healy and Brad Haddin were left stunned. Healy’s three-word reaction summed up the mood:

Alyssa Healy: “OH MY GOD!”
Brad Haddin: “What has happened there.”

Peacock went on to jokingly call it a “Punjab conspiracy,” a reference to Iyer’s leadership stint with Punjab Kings in the IPL. Haddin, who worked as the assistant coach at Punjab Kings, vouched strongly for Iyer’s qualities:

• Leadership skills.
  
  

• Ability to perform under pressure.
  
  

• A presence that lifts the team.
  
  

“I actually thought he was going to be captain,” Haddin said, adding that he was convinced Iyer’s absence must have been due to injury. On learning that wasn’t the case, he labeled the call “extraordinary.”

The Rumors and the Rebuttal

Adding another twist to the saga, Dainik Jagran reported that the BCCI was considering Iyer as India’s future ODI captain, set to succeed Rohit Sharma. However, the buzz was quickly dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who clarified to Hindustan Times that no such discussions had taken place.

A Decision That Refuses to Die Down

With voices of dissent from fans, experts, and international cricketing figures, Iyer’s omission has become one of the most talked-about cricket stories of the year. Whether it was a matter of strategy, internal politics, or something deeper, the mystery around Shreyas Iyer’s absence continues to grow.

One thing is clear: Shreyas Iyer’s name is not going to fade from cricket conversations anytime soon.