Gautam Gambhir Calls for Boycott of Pakistan Cricket Matches

India coach Gautam Gambhir suggests India should not play cricket against Pakistan, citing ongoing tensions between the two nations, amid a recent militant attack in Kashmir and subsequent airstrikes.

India coach Gautam Gambhir believes India should cease playing cricket against Pakistan, including matches at neutral venues, following a deadly militant attack in Indian Kashmir. The attack, which killed 26 tourists, has escalated tensions between the two nations.

India has taken military action against Pakistan, striking nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir in response to the attack. This development further strains the already tense relationship between the nuclear-armed neighbors. It's worth noting that bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan have been suspended since 2013, with their matches limited to multi-team tournaments, mostly held at neutral venues.

Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have been limited due to tense relations between the two nations. Since 2013, bilateral cricket series between the two countries have been suspended, and they typically only face each other in multi-team tournaments, often at neutral venues.

Gambhir's stance on India-Pakistan cricket is clear: “My personal answer to this is absolutely no... Till all this doesn't stop, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan." This reflects the broader tensions between the two nations, which have a complex history affecting their cricketing ties.

Matches between India and Pakistan are highly anticipated events, with tickets selling out quickly. The rivalry is intense, with high emotions on both sides of the border. India has dominated the rivalry in recent years, but the excitement remains unchanged.

❗Gautam Gambhir: "India shouldn't PLAY against Pakistan, even in ICC events, until terrorism ends."

— Do you AGREE with him...? pic.twitter.com/AuzvLCrzjz

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) May 6, 2025

Pakistan's team visited India for the 50-over World Cup in 2023, but India hasn't reciprocated due to security concerns. In the recent Champions Trophy, India played their matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan.

India coach Gautam Gambhir has stated he'll follow the decisions of the Indian cricket board (BCCI) and the government regarding bilateral cricket with Pakistan. His personal stance leans towards not playing against Pakistan due to ongoing tensions.

“Ultimately, this is (the) government's decision whether we play them or not,” Gambhir said.

“This is not up to me, it's not in my jurisdiction. This is for BCCI and, more importantly, the government to decide whether we should play them or not.

“Whatever decision they make, we should be absolutely fine with it and not politicise it.”

India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra withdrew an invitation to Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem to compete in a May 24 event in Bengaluru following a recent militant attack in Kashmir. This decision reflects the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan amid the sensitive situation.