Former India star calls Gautam Gambhir 'hypocrite', demands his resignation over IND vs PAK clash in Asia Cup

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has once again taken a dig at India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, criticizing him for not opposing India’s fixture against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. Tiwary labeled Gambhir a hypocrite, reminding that the latter had previously spoken against India playing Pakistan.

“I have always believed Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite. He once said that India shouldn’t play Pakistan. Now, as the head coach, he is part of the team preparing to face Pakistan. If he truly believes what he once said, he should resign and inform the BCCI that he won’t be part of the match," Tiwary said in a recent interaction.

Gambhir’s earlier remarks came after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, when he emphasized that national security mattered more than cricket. “The decision lies with the government. I have said before that the lives of our soldiers and citizens are more important than a cricket match. Matches, movies, and concerts will continue, but losing a loved one is far more painful. This is not in my hands; the authority rests with the BCCI and the government. We should respect the decision without politicizing it,” Gambhir had stated.

India has been placed in Group A of the Asia Cup 2025, alongside Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE.