“No Cricket With Pakistan”: Sports Icons React With Fury After Pahalgam Terror Attack

From cricketers to Olympians, India’s sports fraternity calls for boycott of Pakistan and swift justice after the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

New Delhi | April 23, 2025
India’s sporting community erupted in grief and anger following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that killed at least 26 civilians, including several tourists. As the nation mourns, leading athletes and former cricketers have voiced outrage, demanding an end to sporting ties with Pakistan.

Also Read: Pahalgam Massacre: 26 Killed in Meadow Ambush, Lashkar Proxy Claims Responsibility

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the massacre, prompting fresh demands for zero tolerance towards Pakistan-backed terror.

Also Read: “Won’t Spare the Terrorists”: Amit Shah Pays Tribute to Pahalgam Victims, Vows Justice

Former India cricketer and ex-RCB player Shreevats Goswami, who recently visited Pahalgam, penned a scathing open letter to the BCCI, urging a complete ban on cricket with Pakistan.

“And this is exactly why I say—you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever,” he wrote.
“…murdering innocent Indians seems to be Pakistan’s national sport.”

India has refrained from bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2012–13, but Goswami’s call renews the pressure amid escalating tensions.

Also Read: “We Just Want to Go Home”: Tourists Flee Pahalgam After Deadly Terror Attack

Nation’s Athletes Stand in Solidarity

Boxer and BJP MP Vijender Singh echoed national sentiment, urging firm retaliation:

“Our brave soldiers will give a befitting reply… such cowardly acts will never succeed.”

Cricketer and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir tweeted:

“Those responsible will pay. India will strike.”

Badminton star PV Sindhu posted a heartfelt message:

“My heart aches for the victims… no reason or cause can justify such brutality. We are with you.”

Olympic icons Neeraj Chopra and Abhinav Bindra also expressed their grief, calling for unity against terrorism.

Former cricketers like Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Parthiv Patel condemned the act in strong terms.

“This can’t be forgiven,” Harbhajan said.
“Numb with disbelief,” wrote Parthiv.

Olympians like Saina Nehwal, Nikhat Zareen, and PR Sreejesh demanded swift justice.

“Condemnation is not enough—justice must follow,” Sreejesh emphasized.

The tragedy also moved current Indian players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Anil Kumble, who called for peace and strength for the grieving families.

Cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan and brother Irfan Pathan offered somber reflections.

“Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity loses,” Irfan wrote.
“May peace prevail,” added Yusuf.

The Pahalgam attack, being the deadliest on civilians since Pulwama in 2019, has reignited calls for India to adopt a no-compromise stance on both security and diplomacy, especially in the sports arena.

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