'Sporting' While Our People Suffer: Shreevats Goswami Appeals to BCCI to End Cricket Relations with Pakistan
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Synopsis
Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami has called for BCCI to terminate cricket ties with Pakistan after the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals. He expressed his outrage over the incident and urged Indian players to show solidarity by wearing black armbands during IPL matches.
Key Takeaways
- Shreevats Goswami calls for severing cricket ties with Pakistan.
- Pahalgam terror attack results in 26 deaths.
- Resistance Front claims responsibility for the attack.
- Indian players urged to wear black armbands in solidarity.
- Moment of silence to be observed in IPL matches.
New Delhi, April 23 (NationPress) Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami has called on the BCCI to sever all cricketing relations with Pakistan in light of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in at least 26 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley, a picturesque meadow located in Pahalgam, a renowned tourist spot roughly 30 miles southeast of Srinagar on Tuesday, sending shockwaves across the nation. The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based terrorist group linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the incident, marking it as one of the most devastating attacks in the area in recent years.
Many athletes have vehemently condemned this brutal terrorist act, praying for peace and stability in the valley. Former wicketkeeper batter Shreevats Goswami also expressed his outrage, urging the BCCI to halt all cricket activities with Pakistan in a lengthy post on social media.
"This is exactly why I assert - we cannot engage in cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever. When the BCCI or the government declined to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some questioned, 'Shouldn't sports transcend politics?'" Goswami articulated on X.
"From my perspective, the murder of innocent Indians appears to be Pakistan's national pastime. If that is their approach - it is time we respond in a manner they comprehend. Not with bats and balls. But with resolute action. With dignity. With an unwavering stance of zero tolerance," his post stated.
"I am filled with rage. I am heartbroken. Just a few months ago, I was in Kashmir for the Legends League - I strolled through Pahalgam, interacted with the locals, and observed hope rekindling in their eyes. It felt as if peace had finally returned. And now ... this bloodshed again. It shatters something within you. It raises the question of how many more times we are expected to remain silent, to stay 'sporting,' while our people perish. No more. Not this time," he added.
India and Pakistan have not engaged in bilateral cricket since 2012–13 and only meet during ICC events. Recently, the BCCI declined to send its team for the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan, with India playing all its matches in Dubai, including the final against New Zealand.
In another post, Goswami called upon all Indian players participating in the ongoing IPL 2025 to don black armbands throughout the week "in memory of the innocent lives lost" in the tragic attack.
"I urge all Indian players in the IPL to wear a black armband this week at the very least. In remembrance of the innocent lives lost in Kashmir. Play the game. But let the world know through this small gesture. Cricket reaches millions across borders — this can raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity. It’s the least we can do," Goswami expressed in another post on X.
However, players and umpires will wear black armbands during the IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Sources have informed IANS that in addition to the black armbands, a moment of silence will also be observed before the match commences at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday evening.
