In a gruesome act of terrorism, terrorists fired on civilians at a famous tourist spot in Pahalgam in South Kashmir on Tuesday. At least 26 people were killed and over 20 injured in the brutal attack.
The disaster has shocked the country, eliciting strong condemnations from everywhere.
Among those who replied was former India cricketer Shreevats Goswami, who made a strong statement on X (formerly Twitter), urging the BCCI to cut all cricketing ties with Pakistan. His remarks set the debate about India’s sporting relations with its neighbor going again. Earlier this year, India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the next Champions Trophy, with all their matches instead to be played in the UAE. Goswami has now called for a complete freeze in bilateral cricket interactions with Pakistan following the massacre.
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Shreevats Goswami Calls For Complete Cut Off With Pakistan
“And this is exactly why I say – you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever,” wrote Goswami.
“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.”
“Really? Because from where I stand, murdering innocent civilians 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,” wrote the former cricketer.
“I Am Furious, I’m Devastated”
Goswami was in Kashmir “a few months ago” for the Legends League, and he could see the revival of Kashmir’s economy. “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,” wrote Goswami.