India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has taken a strong and personal stance against playing any bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan, following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025 that killed 26 tourists.
Speaking during a press interaction in Delhi, Gambhir made his position clear:
“There cannot be cricket with Pakistan when our people are being killed. It’s not just about sport — it’s about national integrity.”
🔥 Context: Kashmir Attack and Tensions
- The comments come in the aftermath of a militant attack on April 22, 2025, which the Indian government has linked to Pakistan-based terror groups.
- Public sentiment in India remains deeply sensitive, and calls to boycott any sporting engagement with Pakistan have resurfaced.
- Gambhir, known for his patriotic views, has previously spoken out after similar events during his time as a player and politician.
🇮🇳 BCCI Yet to Issue Official Statement
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially announced a boycott or policy shift, but sources indicate that India may refuse to play Pakistan in any bilateral series, even at neutral venues.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, with their meetings restricted to ICC and ACC tournaments.
🏆 Implications for Upcoming Tournaments
- The ICC T20 World Cup 2025 is scheduled for June in Sri Lanka, and both India and Pakistan are in separate groups — but could meet in the knockout stage.
- Gambhir’s stance could influence future scheduling, especially regarding the Asia Cup and any proposed neutral-venue series.
🧠 Public and Political Reaction
Gambhir’s statement has received support from several political leaders and veterans, while some in the cricketing community have urged separating politics from sport.
🗣️ What Gambhir Said (Full Quote):
“You cannot keep ignoring the loss of innocent lives. Cricket is not bigger than the country. Until terrorism stops, there should be no cricket with Pakistan.”
This development marks one of the most direct public rejections of India-Pakistan cricketing ties in recent years and places the ball firmly in the BCCI and ICC’s court for further action.
