Newly appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has taken a firm stance on cricketing ties with Pakistan, asserting that India should completely sever cricketing engagements with its neighbour — even at neutral venues — in light of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people.
Speaking at a public event in Delhi on Tuesday, Gambhir, known for his outspoken views on national security and cricketing diplomacy, said, “My personal answer to this is absolutely no.” He was responding to a question on whether India should continue playing Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup or ICC events.
“Till all this [terrorism] doesn’t stop, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan,” Gambhir added, underlining the emotional and political weight of the issue.
Background: Diplomatic Freeze After Pahalgam Attack
The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which targeted a group of civilians including tourists and locals, has triggered a wave of public outrage and firm policy responses from the Indian government. Among the measures taken:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement in place since 1960.
- Closure of the Attari border crossing, one of the last functional land links between the two nations.
- Downgrading of diplomatic ties, with multiple Pakistani envoys being sent back and visa issuance halted.
These actions are seen as a direct response to the cross-border origins of the attack, which Indian intelligence agencies have linked to terror groups based in Pakistan.
India-Pakistan Cricket: A Fragile Legacy
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since January 2013, and all recent encounters have taken place in multi-team ICC and ACC events, such as the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy. Their last meeting was at the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Despite mounting tensions, there remain chances of India facing Pakistan in at least three upcoming tournaments:
- The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup
- The 2025 Men’s Asia Cup
- The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup
Gambhir emphasized that the final decision rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and, more crucially, the Indian government.
“This is not up to me; it’s not in my jurisdiction. It is the government and BCCI who will decide if we play them. Whatever decision they make, we should be absolutely fine with it and not politicise it,” he said.
“No cricket match, no Bollywood event, no cultural exchange is more important than the life of an Indian soldier or citizen,” Gambhir stated firmly.
His comments echo a long-standing sentiment within sections of Indian society and political circles that sporting ties cannot be isolated from national security concerns.
On Team Selection: ‘It’s Not the Coach’s Job’
Switching gears to cricketing matters, Gambhir was also asked about the futures of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, particularly with regard to the upcoming five-Test tour of England beginning in June.
Gambhir clarified that as head coach, he would not be involved in team selection, only in picking the playing XI from the squad given to him.
“A coach’s job isn’t selecting the team. It is the job of selectors. I will only pick the XI. The rest is not in my domain,” Gambhir said.
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had faced criticism for below-par performances during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia but bounced back during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where their match-winning performances helped India lift the title.
“Till the time they’re performing, they should be a part of the team. Whether to start or retire is their individual decision,” Gambhir added.
“No coach, no selector, no BCCI can tell a player when to quit. If you’re fit and performing, why not play till 40 or even 45?”
This statement may come as a relief to fans of India’s veteran duo, as speculation had grown around a potential generational shift in the team post the 2025 ICC tournaments.
Final Thoughts
Gambhir’s dual messages — a zero-tolerance policy on terror-linked sporting ties, and a merit-based approach to team selection — reflect the blend of political clarity and cricketing pragmatism he brings to the role.
As geopolitical tensions escalate, the fate of India-Pakistan cricket hangs in the balance. What is clear, though, is that under Gambhir’s stewardship, sentiment and performance will both shape the future of Indian cricket.
