These days, India and Pakistan only meet on neutral grounds when it comes to cricket. The strained political ties between the two countries have clearly spilled over into the sport. And following the recent tragic incident in Pahalgam, the tension between the neighbors has only deepened — with fears of a potential military conflict looming. In this heated climate, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has taken a firm stand, saying that India shouldn’t even play Pakistan at neutral venues.
Speaking at an ABP Group event in New Delhi today, Gambhir was asked whether India should continue facing Pakistan at neutral grounds. His response was direct and firm: “My personal answer is absolutely not. Until these (terrorist attacks) stop, there should be nothing between India and Pakistan.”
According to Gambhir, the lives of Indian soldiers and civilians matter far more than a cricket match, Bollywood film, or any other bilateral engagement between the two nations.
“The life of an Indian soldier and an Indian citizen is far more valuable than a cricket match, Bollywood, or any kind of relationship between the two countries.”
— Gautam Gambhir, Head Coach, India
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2013. Since then, they’ve only faced each other in multi-nation events like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments. Their most recent clash came earlier this year in the Champions Trophy in Dubai. The two teams are also expected to meet in upcoming events like the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Men’s Asia Cup.
Still, Gambhir acknowledged that the final call lies with the government. While he holds a personal opinion, he stressed that national security should always come first:
“Whether we play them or not will ultimately be the government’s decision. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again — the life of an Indian soldier and citizen is more important than a cricket match, a Bollywood movie, or any relationship between the two countries. Matches can be played later, movies can be made, singers can perform, but none of that compares to the grief of losing a loved one.”
Gambhir made it clear that he would respect whatever decision the Indian government and the BCCI arrive at:
“It’s not my place to decide what will or won’t happen. That’s entirely up to the BCCI and the government. But whatever they decide, we will accept it — and we won’t politicize the matter.”
