Kolkata: Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have raised concerns over the laser show staged during India’s Super 8 clash against West Indies in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.
During the brief drinks break, the stadium lights were dimmed, and a laser spectacle illuminated the ground. While intended to entertain fans, both Gavaskar and Shastri questioned the timing and appropriateness of the show, citing potential distractions for players.
Gavaskar Questions Timing of Laser Show
“The laser show during the two-and-a-half or three minutes of the drinks break… it’s not easy on the batters, or anybody for that matter. To get your eyes used to the light, to get the bright lights again, when there’s darkness around you, it’s difficult,” Gavaskar said on commentary.
He added, “You have a laser thing 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 league. But at the moment here, in the World Cup knockouts, do we need these laser shows?”
Shastri Highlights Player Focus Concerns
Ravi Shastri echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the challenge players face in regaining concentration after such interruptions. “From the players’ point of view, to switch back on, is never easy. It’s serious stuff,” he noted.
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Both former captains stressed that ensuring optimal playing conditions should take precedence over mid-innings entertainment, especially in high-stakes matches with a semi-final berth on the line.
India Clinches Five-Wicket Win
Despite the laser show controversy, India emerged victorious, winning by five wickets thanks to Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97-run knock. The Men in Blue now move forward in the tournament, facing England in the second semi-final on March 5.
The incident has sparked a debate among cricket fans and analysts about the role of entertainment during major ICC events. Many agree that while fan engagement is important, global tournaments demand that players’ focus and playing conditions remain paramount.
The laser show controversy ICC T20 World Cup serves as a reminder that balancing spectacle and sport is a delicate task, especially when every match carries significant stakes