Sports Persons Express Anger Over Pahalgam Attack: Ex-RCB Star Urges BCCI Not To Play Cricket With Pakistan

India's sports community is reeling from the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with many calling for an end to cricket ties with Pakistan. The attack, which occurred at a popular tourist spot in south Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians and left several others injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group, claimed responsibility.

Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami expressed his anger on social media, stating, "And this is exactly why I say - you don't play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever. When BCCI or the government refused to send India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the audacity to say, 'Oh, but sport should rise above politics'...murdering innocent Indians seems to be Pakistan's national sport and India should respond with zero tolerance and not with bats and balls."

Despite not engaging in bilateral cricket since 2012-13, Indian teams have still participated in international events held in Pakistan. Goswami recently visited Pahalgam and noted a sense of hope returning to the region before this tragic event. He questioned how long India must remain silent while its citizens suffer.

Sports Figures Demand Justice

Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh also called for decisive action against those responsible for the attack. He stated that India's soldiers would ensure a fitting response and that attempts to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir would fail.

Gautam Gambhir, head coach of India's cricket team and BJP MP, shared his condolences online: "Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike." Badminton player PV Sindhu echoed these sentiments, expressing her sorrow for the victims and their families.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and shooter Abhinav Bindra also mourned the loss of lives due to this act of terrorism. Chopra wrote about being heartbroken by the incident, while Bindra emphasised that terror has no place in our world.

Call for Unity Against Terrorism

The attack is considered one of the deadliest since Pulwama in 2019. Former cricketer Suresh Raina condemned it as a cowardly act by terrorists supported by Pakistan. Harbhajan Singh extended his sympathies to those who lost loved ones.

Other athletes like PR Sreejesh and Saina Nehwal stressed that justice must follow condemnation. They reiterated that terror should never prevail over humanity.

Nikhat Zareen added her voice against those who target innocents, demanding swift justice for Pahalgam's victims.

Athletes Express Shock and Anguish

Parthiv Patel described feeling numb upon hearing about the attack's brutality. Shubman Gill emphasised that violence has no place in India, while Anil Kumble prayed for strength for affected families.

Ravi Shastri called it a cowardly act meant to unite all Indians against hate. Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan also expressed their deep sorrow over innocent lives lost.

Irfan tweeted about humanity losing every time an innocent life is taken, while Yusuf hoped for peace to prevail amidst such violence.

The sporting fraternity stands united with those affected by this tragedy as they call for justice and an end to senseless violence across borders.