Pahalgam terror attack: Goswami urges BCCI to cut ties with Pakistan
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New Delhi: Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan in light of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed at least 26 lives and left several others injured. The attack took place in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist spot located 30 miles southeast of Srinagar, on Tuesday. The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based terrorist group with links to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the assault, marking it as one of the most tragic incidents in the region in recent years.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with several sportspersons expressing their sorrow and calling for peace in the region. In a lengthy social media post, Goswami strongly criticized the attack and urged the BCCI to end all cricketing engagements with Pakistan.
"Sport should rise above politics," Goswami wrote, recalling how some had defended India's decision not to participate in the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan. "But from where I stand, murdering innocent Indians seems to be Pakistan's national sport. And if that's how they play – then it's time we respond in a language they truly understand. Not with bats and balls. But with resolve. With dignity. With zero tolerance," he added.
Goswami further expressed his anger and grief, sharing his personal experience from his recent visit to Kashmir. "Just a few months ago, I was in Kashmir for the Legends League – I walked through Pahalgam, met the locals, saw hope returning to their eyes. It felt like peace had finally found its way back. And now ... this bloodshed again. It breaks something inside you. It makes you question how many more times we’re expected to stay silent, stay ‘sporting,’ while our people die. No more. Not this time," he stated.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in bilateral cricket since the 2012-13 series, with the two teams only meeting in international tournaments. The BCCI had previously refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, opting instead to play all their matches in Dubai, including the final against New Zealand.
In another post, Goswami requested Indian players in the ongoing IPL 2025 to wear black armbands for the entire week to honor the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack. "This small gesture can spread awareness and show solidarity. It’s the least we can do," he said.
In response to the tragedy, players and umpires will wear black armbands during the IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. A one-minute silence will also be observed before the match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday evening to pay tribute to the victims.
With IANS inputs
