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In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of at least 26 innocent people, former Indian cricketer and wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami has made an emotional and strongly worded appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), urging them to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan.
The terror strike, carried out in the picturesque Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, shook the nation on Tuesday. The attack, which targeted civilians in a popular tourist area, was reportedly orchestrated by The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based terror group affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. The brutal incident has been widely condemned across the country, with widespread calls for justice and accountability.
Among the voices of anguish and outrage, Goswami’s statement on social media struck a particularly raw nerve. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“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’.”
“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 bats and balls. But with resolve. With dignity. With zero tolerance.”
Clearly heartbroken, Goswami reflected on his recent trip to Kashmir for the Legends League, describing how hopeful and peaceful the region had felt.
“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.”
Goswami’s remarks reignite the long-standing debate about India-Pakistan cricketing relations. The two nations haven’t played a bilateral series since 2012–13, limiting their encounters to ICC events due to ongoing political tensions and repeated instances of cross-border terrorism.
In response to the Pahalgam tragedy, the BCCI has already taken steps to pay tribute to the victims. During Match 41 of IPL 2025 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI), players and umpires will wear black armbands. A one-minute silence will be observed before the match begins at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening. No cheerleaders or celebratory fireworks will be present, as a mark of mourning.
Adding to his initial statement, Goswami also made a heartfelt appeal to fellow Indian cricketers currently playing in the IPL:
“Requesting all Indian players in the IPL to wear a black armband this week at least. In memory of the innocent lives lost in Kashmir. Play the game. But let the world watching know. Cricket reaches millions across borders — this small gesture can spread awareness and show solidarity. It’s the least we can do.”
As tributes continue to pour in from across the cricketing world and beyond, Goswami’s call underscores a deeper sentiment—one that questions the very foundation of sporting ties amid a backdrop of sustained violence. The debate is far from over, but one thing is clear: the Pahalgam attack has left a scar on the nation’s heart, and for many, silence is no longer an option.
