Udaipur, May 7, 2025: Tensions between the two neighbouring countries have escalated due to the attack in Kashmir, which has now escalated into cross border conflict. India launched missile attacks on nine locations in Pakistan late last night, and Pakistan responded with a counter-attack that same night. This has raised new concerns about the future of cricket matches between the two countries.

Because of ongoing political hostility, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series for years. The two teams only face each other in ICC and ACC events. The situation has become even more complicated with the outbreak of conflict. So, it is natural to ask: Will cricket matches between India and Pakistan be seen again?

No Matches During Past Wars

In the past, India and Pakistan did not play cricket during times of war. There were no matches between 1962 and 1977 due to the 1965 Indo-Pak war and India's involvement in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Now, the situation is tense again, and cricket between the two nations looks uncertain.

No Bilateral Series Since 2013

India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2013 due to security concerns and political tensions. They only face each other in ICC and ACC events. But with war now breaking out, even those matches may stop.

Gambhir's Strong Stand Against Playing Pakistan

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has taken a firm stand. At an event in Delhi, he was asked whether India should play Pakistan at a neutral venue. His reply was, "Absolutely not. Nothing should happen until the terror attacks stop."

Hybrid Tournaments: A Compromise Until Now

Due to safety concerns, India has refused to travel to Pakistan for events. As a result, tournaments like the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup were held in hybrid formats—India played its matches in Dubai and Sri Lanka. But even this arrangement is now in danger.

Gambhir's Position May Get Tougher

Gambhir made his statement before the recent missile attacks. After India’s military strike and Pakistan’s counter-attack, his position may become even stricter. He has said the final call lies with the Indian government.

Government’s Hardline on Cricket Diplomacy

The Indian government has repeatedly denied permission for the team to travel to Pakistan, citing security. With war now ongoing, it is expected that the stance will become even stricter. Cricket between the two may not happen even at neutral venues.

Pakistan May Boycott India in Return

A December agreement between BCCI and PCB stated that if India doesn’t tour Pakistan, Pakistan may not send its teams to India until 2027. That includes major tournaments like the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, both scheduled in India.

India Blocks Pakistani Cricketers’ Social Media

After the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people, India blocked the social media accounts of Pakistani cricketers like Babar Azam, Wasim Akram, and Shoaib Akhtar. The tensions only escalated after that.

Gavaskar Sees a Break in Cricket Ties

Sunil Gavaskar recently told 'Sports Today' that unless things improve, Pakistan may not play in this year’s Asia Cup. He even said the ACC could break up due to this situation.

Miandad Disagrees, But the Situation is Tense

Pakistani legend Javed Miandad disagreed with Gavaskar. But from a diplomatic point of view, it’s clear that long-term cricket ties may be on hold.

Public Opinion Favours Conflict

Cricketers and fans in both countries are supporting their governments and military actions. With such public sentiment, peace through sports seems very unlikely.