Gautam Gambhir says India should not play Pakistan at all

Gautam Gambhir has made headlines in the past for his strong views on India-Pakistan cricket relations, often suggesting that India should not play Pakistan in bilateral or even multinational tournaments due to political tensions and security concerns. When Gambhir says "India should not play Pakistan at all," he’s usually highlighting: National Security and Political Context: His view reflects the stance that sporting ties shouldn’t continue when there are unresolved issues like terrorism or cross-border conflict. Moral Standpoint: Gambhir has argued that playing cricket “normalizes” relations and sends the wrong message domestically. Consistency: He’s often questioned why India should maintain a sporting relationship when diplomatic ties are strained or suspended. However, this stance is controversial. Critics argue that: Cricket can be a bridge: Sports diplomacy has historically helped improve relations between countries. Double standards: India trades with Pakistan in limited capacities; singling out cricket is inconsistent. Cricketing Fans and Revenue: India-Pakistan games are among the most-watched globally and generate massive viewership and economic impact.