Pahalgam terror attack: Ex-cricketer says India should never play cricket with Pakistan

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 23, 2025, 10:22 IST

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Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed at least 26 people, former Bengal cricketer expressed strong sentiments against playing cricket with Pakistan. He emphasized that murdering innocent Indians seemed to be their national sport and urged a response beyond sports.

Pahalgam terror attack: Ex-cricketer says India should never play cricket with Pakistan

Jammu: Security personnel guard on a street a day after Pahalgam terrorist attack, in Jammu. (PTI Photo)

Former Bengal and India U-19 cricketer Shreevats Goswami said India should never play cricket with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. At least 26 persons -- mostly tourists -- were killed by terrorists on Tuesday at the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam in one of the worst terror attacks on civilians in Kashmir in the past many years.
In a long social media post, Goswami wrote: "And this is exactly what I say -- you don't play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not never.
"When BCCI and the government refused to send India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the audacity to say, "Oh, but sport should above politics.

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"Really? Because from where I stand, murdering innocent Indians seems to be their national sport.
"And if that's how they play -- then it's time we respond in a language they truly understand. Not with the bats and balls. But with resolve. With dignity. With zero tolerance.
"I'm furious. I'm devastated.
"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."
Who's that IPL player?
Former and current players of the Indian Cricket Team, along with national team head coach Gautam Gambhir, expressed their sorrow and anguish over the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir .
Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh took to his official media handle and said that he was "deeply saddened" after coming across the terror attack news in J&K.

"Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Praying for the victims and for the strength of their families. Let us stand united in hope and humanity," Yuvraj Singh wrote on X.

In a post on X, Indian Team head coach Gautam Gambhir wrote, "Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike."

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TOI Sports Desk

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