Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, wants the country to sever all cricket connections with Pakistan till "cross-border terrorism is not over."
Gambhir's remark also mentioned multi-nation competitions like the ICC World Cups, where the nations meet frequently, even though India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012. This is a noteworthy statement from someone in his position.
Following a week of heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist incident, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent Indians, Gambhir's statement was made in the context of an ongoing ceasefire at the border.
India responded by carrying out previously unheard-of precision strikes against terrorist organizations operating within Pakistan and in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
Since then, there are speculations over India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 and if India and Pakistan will play each other in ICC events as well.
“This is my personal opinion. I have said it before as well — sport, Bollywood, artists, everything is not important. The only important thing is the lives of our civilians and soldiers. There’s nothing bigger than that. Sport can take a backseat, Bollywood movies, artists, and everything can take a backseat.
My personal opinion is that till this cross-border terrorism is not over, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan. It’s not for the gallery. Trust me, it’s not for the gallery. I am not here to take all this applause. This is my personal opinion. BCCI or the government can have a completely different opinion on it,” Gambhir said in an interview with CNN-News18.
In response to criticism that some claim India-Pakistan cricket is crucial for "TRP," or TV viewership and sponsorships, Gambhir stated that the lives of troops and the numerous victims of terrorism and violence are more significant.
Under Gambhir's tutelage, India and Pakistan last faced off in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The games were played in a hybrid format because India declined to play in Pakistan, which was the designated host. In the UAE, India went on to win the championship. As a coach, it was Gambhir's first trophy.
The 2025 Women's World Cup and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup will be the next ICC competition between India and Pakistan.
