Gautam Gambhir Says No to India-Pakistan Cricket
By Nayab khan
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that he does not support any cricketing ties with Pakistan, even at neutral venues. His comments come just weeks after a deadly militant attack in Indian Kashmir.
On April 22, 26 tourists were killed in a brutal attack in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. The Indian government blames Islamist militants operating from Pakistan for the assault.
In retaliation, India carried out airstrikes on May 7, targeting nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. These included camps believed to be used by militant groups. The strikes have further raised tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Speaking after the attacks, Gautam Gambhir made his stance clear:
“I don’t think India should play any cricket with Pakistan, not even on neutral grounds,” he said, according to sources close to the team.
Cricket between India and Pakistan has been largely suspended since 2013. The two nations only meet during ICC or Asia Cup tournaments, and those matches are typically hosted in neutral countries.
Gambhir’s comments align with a broader public sentiment in India, where many believe sporting events should not take place when diplomatic and security tensions are high.
His views could influence upcoming decisions by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and international cricket bodies, especially with tournaments scheduled later this year.
As regional tensions rise, the possibility of India and Pakistan facing off on the cricket field grows increasingly uncertain.
