Mumbai: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has found himself at the centre of a viral storm after deftly sidestepping questions on Pakistan’s reported reluctance to face India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
A video circulating on social media shows the former opener, en route to Mumbai from Delhi for India’s warm-up clash against South Africa, politely thanking reporters for their best wishes but refusing to engage on the high-stakes India-Pakistan controversy.
Amid speculation that Pakistan’s government has cleared participation in the tournament but withheld approval for the marquee Group A fixture — scheduled for February 15 in Colombo — reporters pressed Gambhir for his take. True to his no-nonsense style, he simply shrugged off the queries and walked away, sparking widespread buzz online.
The uncertainty stems from ongoing geopolitical sensitivities, with the Pakistan Cricket Board yet to confirm the match. Both teams share Group A with the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. India comes into the tournament with a strong performance, having won a 4-1 T20I series against New Zealand, while Pakistan triumphed over Australia at home. Historically, India holds a commanding 7-1 edge over Pakistan in T20 World Cup encounters.
Gambhir’s measured silence has been interpreted by many as a focus on cricket over off-field drama, letting the ICC authorities handle bilateral issues.
As the tournament kicks off on February 7, fans eagerly await clarity on whether the iconic rivalry clash will materialise — or whether politics will once again overshadow the game.
India’s squad, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, boasts firepower with stars like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. The episode underscores the enduring intensity surrounding India-Pakistan cricket ties.