In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, former India captain and ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has voiced strong support for cutting all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Speaking to the media, Ganguly firmly stated that there should be “strict action” and called for the BCCI to sever all cricket relations with Pakistan without hesitation.
Ganguly Calls for Zero Tolerance Toward Terrorism
When asked whether the BCCI’s stand to isolate the PCB was justified, Ganguly was unequivocal in his response:
“100 percent, 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,” Ganguly said, sending a clear message.
The ties between India and Pakistan — politically and in cricket — have deteriorated significantly over the past two decades. India last toured Pakistan for a bilateral series back in 2007–08, and the last bilateral series between the two arch-rivals took place in 2013. The relationship took a massive hit following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, after which cricketing relations have remained frozen except for ICC or ACC tournaments.
Rajeev Shukla Reaffirms No Bilateral Cricket With Pakistan
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla also weighed in on the matter. Speaking to Sports Tak, Shukla made it clear that the Indian cricket board would continue to follow the Indian government’s stand, and there would be no bilateral series with Pakistan in the foreseeable future.
“We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in a bilateral series because of the government’s stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,” Shukla said.
He also clarified that India’s matches against Pakistan in ICC tournaments — like the World Cup and Champions Trophy — are only due to mandatory participation under ICC agreements, and not because of any willingness to engage bilaterally.
Pakistani Players Continue to Be Shut Out of IPL
Since the 2008 season, Pakistani cricketers have not been allowed to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for upcoming events, including the Champions Trophy, signals a hardening of stance that looks unlikely to soften anytime soon.
With growing public and political pressure, and tragic incidents like the Pahalgam attack deepening the wounds, cricket seems to be an unlikely bridge between the two nations for the foreseeable future.
