Gambhir Said It Loud 3 Months Ago Now It’s Time to Walk the Talk. Three months ago, Gautam Gambhir had made a strong and clear statement —
“India should not play cricket with Pakistan.”
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This was after a terror attack in Pahalgam, where innocent Indian tourists were targeted. The attack was linked to Pakistan-backed groups. Emotions were high across the country and Gambhir didn’t mince words.
He said no match, movie or concert is bigger than the lives of Indian soldiers and citizens.
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Speaking to ABP News, Gambhir said,
“Matches will keep happening, films will keep being made, singers will keep performing, but the pain of losing a loved one is the greatest.”
He added that although the final call lies with the Indian government and BCCI, in his opinion, India should not play Pakistan, not even in ICC tournaments or multi-nation events. It was a bold and appreciated stand at that time.
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Now the Asia Cup 2025 schedule is out. India and Pakistan will play on 14 September in the group stage. If both qualify for the Super Four and Final, we could see three matches between the two.
The tournament will be held in the UAE from 9 to 28 September and India vs Pakistan is being positioned as the biggest draw of the event.
It’s expected to generate record viewership and huge sponsorship revenue. But this is exactly what fans are angry about why should India help generate money for Pakistan’s cricket board (PCB) which operates under a government that sponsors anti-India activities? Will Gambhir Take a Stand Again? This brings us back to Gambhir.
Now that he’s the head coach of the Indian team, fans are watching closely. Will he stick to the stand he took just a few months ago?
Will he push for a boycott or at least speak up again now that three India-Pakistan matches are possible in just two weeks?
So far he hasn’t made a new statement. But the question remains: Will Gambhir walk the talk this time?
On social media many are openly questioning the logic of playing Pakistan in any format even if it’s not bilateral.
They argue that India’s viewership, sponsorships and ad revenue directly helps Pakistan cricket and indirectly Pakistan’s system which is seen as hostile to India.
They also feel it’s a moral issue not just a cricket one. Even though the tournament is being held in a neutral venue (UAE) emotions are far from neutral.
Gautam Gambhir’s words three months ago still resonate: No cricket with Pakistan.
Now that the Asia Cup schedule is out and three India-Pakistan matches are possible, it’s time to see if he walks the talk.
The Asia Cup may be about cricket on the surface. But for many Indians including fans and now even coaches it’s about where we draw the line.
