In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has forcefully urged India to cut all cricketing ties with Pakistan. In an interview with journalists, Ganguly underlined that terrorism cannot be allowed and that India has every right to stand firm by not engaging with Pakistan in cricket, even in ICC and Asian competitions.
“100 percent, India should break ties. Strict action is necessary. It has become a sad joke that such incidents happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” Ganguly stated emphatically.
#PahalgamTerroristAttack | Kolkata, West Bengal: Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly says, “100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/J4v4HX3TZJ
— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2025
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The attack in Pahalgam saw five to six armed terrorists open fire at Baisaran meadows, resulting in the death of 26 civilians and leaving many injured. The Resistance Force (TRF), a Pakistan-backed terror group affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the assault.
Earlier, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla also condemned the attack, reaffirming that India already avoids bilateral cricket with Pakistan, following the government’s directives. “We do not play bilateral series with Pakistan due to the government’s stance. In ICC events, we participate only because of ICC commitments. The ICC is fully aware of the situation,” Shukla told Sports Tak.
In line with this policy, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, choosing instead to play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a speech during a meeting in Bihar, pledged firm action against perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre. “India will track, monitor, and punish all terrorists and their supporters,” he announced. “Terrorism won’t shatter India’s courage and will never be unpunished.”
PM Modi also thanked international leaders who have rallied support behind India in the aftermath of the attack, pledging that the country would continue to seek justice and be firm against terrorism.
