Gautam Gambhir demands suspension of India-Pakistan cricket relations

India men's cricket team head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has called for a complete suspension of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, including playing matches at neutral venues.

The former Indian opener made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to the media at a private event. When asked whether India should continue to play Pakistan at neutral venues amid rising political tensions, Gambhir firmly rejected the idea.

"My personal answer to this is absolutely no," Gambhir said. 

"Till all this doesn't stop, there should not be anything between India and Pakistan," he added. 

Gambhir emphasized that the final decision rests with the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"Ultimately, this is government's decision whether we play them or not," Gautam 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," Gambhir said when asked if he would present his position to the BCCI. 

"Whatever decision they make, we should be absolutely fine with it and not politicise it," he concluded. 

Earlier this week, legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar had also questioned Pakistan's participation in this year’s Men’s Asia Cup, citing political tensions and the role of the Indian government in BCCI’s decisions.

“BCCI's stance has always been what the government of India tells them to do. So I don't think it would be any different when it comes to the Asia Cup. India and Sri Lanka are the hosts for this particular edition of the Asia Cup, so it depends on whether things have changed at all, but if things haven't changed, I can't see Pakistan now being part of the Asia Cup, which is going to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka,” Gavaskar stated.