India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has expressed a strong stance against India playing cricket with Pakistan, even at neutral venues, following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Speaking at an ABP event in Delhi, Gambhir stated, “My personal answer to this is absolutely no,” adding that cricket engagements with Pakistan should stop until terrorism ceases.
The Pahalgam attack on 22nd April resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. In response, the Indian government has taken several measures against Pakistan, such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the border crossing at Attari, and scaling down diplomatic relations.
India hasn’t engaged in a bilateral series with Pakistan since January 2013, only meeting in tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events. They recently faced each other in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai and might do so again during the women’s ODI World Cup and men’s Asia Cup this year, as well as the men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
Gambhir emphasised, “Ultimately, this is the government’s decision whether we play them or not. I’ve said this before, no cricket match, Bollywood event or any other interaction is more important than the life of Indian soldiers and citizens.”
Regarding his role as head coach, Gambhir clarified he has no deciding vote on whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the upcoming Test series against England. “A coach’s job isn’t selecting the team. It is the job of selectors to select,” Gambhir remarked. He encouraged players to continue if they are in form, “If you perform, then why 40, you can jolly well play till 45, who’s stopping you?”
This view reflects his belief in respecting personal decision-making for players’ careers, though ultimately, team selection remains outside his jurisdiction.
The decision of whether India continues to compete with Pakistan lies with the government and BCCI. Gambhir thinks such decisions should not be politicised, indicating a need for measured and thoughtful dialogue on this sensitive matter.
