India Should Not Play Pakistan at All: Gautam Gambhir
The recent Pahalgam terror attack has sent shockwaves across the country, leaving 26 tourists dead and many more injured. In the aftermath of this heinous act of terrorism, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has called for a complete halt to cricketing engagements with Pakistan, including at neutral venues. In an interview, he stated, “Till all this (terrorism) doesn’t stop, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan.”
Gambhir’s stance is not surprising, given the long-standing tension and hostility between the two nations. Pakistan has been accused of supporting and harboring terrorist organizations, which has led to numerous attacks on Indian soil. The Pahalgam terror attack is just the latest example of the devastating consequences of Pakistan’s actions.
The idea of playing cricket with Pakistan may seem harmless to some, but for Gambhir, it is a matter of national security and integrity. He believes that by engaging with Pakistan, India is inadvertently legitimizing their actions and providing them with a platform to spread their ideology. “Till all this doesn’t stop, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan,” Gambhir reiterated. This stance is a clear reflection of his commitment to the safety and security of the Indian people.
Gambhir’s call for a boycott of cricket matches against Pakistan is not without precedent. In the past, India has boycotted international cricket matches against Pakistan in the wake of terrorist attacks. The most notable example is the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which led to a two-year hiatus in bilateral cricketing relations between the two nations.
However, in recent years, India and Pakistan have resumed their cricketing engagements, albeit with some controversy. The 2019 ICC World Cup saw India and Pakistan face off in a highly-anticipated match, which was played at the Old Trafford in Manchester. While the match was a huge success from a cricketing standpoint, it was criticized by many for providing a platform to Pakistan, which has been accused of supporting terrorism.
Gambhir’s stance on not playing Pakistan at all is likely to be met with resistance from some quarters. There are those who argue that cricket is a sport, not a political tool, and that engaging with Pakistan can help to promote peace and understanding between the two nations. However, Gambhir’s experience as a player and coach has shown him that sport and politics are often inextricably linked.
As a player, Gambhir was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup. He has also played for the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders. As a coach, he has been instrumental in shaping the Indian team’s strategy and approach. His views on not playing Pakistan at all are likely to carry significant weight, especially among fans and cricket enthusiasts who value his expertise and commitment to the sport.
Gambhir’s stance is also likely to resonate with the Indian government, which has been vocal in its condemnation of Pakistan’s support for terrorism. The government has taken several steps to counter Pakistan’s actions, including revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and launching targeted military operations against terrorist organizations.
In conclusion, Gautam Gambhir’s call for a complete halt to cricketing engagements with Pakistan is a reflection of his commitment to national security and integrity. As a player, coach, and national icon, he has a unique perspective on the issue and his views are likely to carry significant weight. While some may argue that cricket is a sport, not a political tool, Gambhir’s experience has shown him that the two are often inextricably linked.
As India moves forward in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, it is imperative that the government and cricket authorities take a strong stance against Pakistan. Gambhir’s call for a boycott of cricket matches against Pakistan is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that his views will be given serious consideration.
Source:
https://www.espn.in/cricket/story/_/id/45024190/india-not-play-pakistan-all-says-gautam-gambhir
