Veteran Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir | Photo Credit: PTI

New Delhi: Asia Cup 2018 has kicked off in style at the United Arab Emirates on Saturday (September 15) with six teams fighting for Asian supremacy, but all eyes will be on India versus Pakistan contest that will be on the fourth afternoon of the tournament. The two arch rivals of the game will face each other for the first time since Champions Trophy 2017 final. India-Pakistan contest have always garnered the most attention in ICC or Asia Cup tournaments amid no bilateral series since 2008. And ahead of the high-octane contest, veteran Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has lashed out at the cricket policy between the two nations.

Gambhir reckons that amid degrading relation between the two neighbouring countries there should not be any India-Pakistan matches conducted even in ICC and Asia Cup competitions and if it is played then the government might as well give permission for a bilateral series.

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Speaking to WoW Cricket, Gambhir said, "There should be a particular decision for the forthcoming contest between the two nations. It cannnot be that India can contest Pakistan in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments and not face them for a bilateral series. If the government permits India to play against Pakistan in the ICC event then give it for the series and if the series is not happening, then banish Pakistan completely. The answer will either be yes or no completely on cricket between the two countries."

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The left-handed cricketer added that soldiers hold a position higher than an enthralling cricket contest between the two nations. Gambhir said, "The soldiers are more important to us, the government should first protect the boundary and then play cricket." He said, "On one side, soldiers are martyred on the border, so we should not play cricket anywhere with Pakistan."

Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev too was present at the show and he agreed upon the words of Gambhir, but also expects newly-elected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to improve on the relationship so that a possible bilateral series can start off soon.