Pahalgam: In the wake of a horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead and over 20 injured, former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami issued a scathing statement on India’s cricketing relationship with Pakistan. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Goswami urged the BCCI and Indian government to cut all sporting ties with Pakistan, making an emotional appeal that has since sparked widespread debate.
“This is exactly why I say — you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever,” wrote Goswami, expressing his anguish and outrage at the incident, which targeted a popular tourist destination.
The tragedy has once again ignited the long-standing debate over whether sport — particularly cricket — can be separated from political and national security concerns. Goswami made it clear that for him, there’s no room for ambiguity when innocent lives are lost.
“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,’” Goswami wrote. “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.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier announced that India would not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with matches instead being played at a neutral venue in the UAE. While the decision was supported by government and security agencies, Goswami’s comments give voice to a growing section of the public and former players who feel sports should not be used as a diplomatic olive branch in the face of terror.
“Not with bats and balls. But with resolve. With dignity. With zero tolerance,” he concluded, signaling a deeper frustration that goes beyond the cricket field.
While no official statement has yet been released by the BCCI in response to Goswami’s remarks, social media has seen a flurry of reactions — some applauding the cricketer for speaking out boldly, others arguing that sports diplomacy still holds value in conflict resolution.
This is not the first time India-Pakistan cricket ties have come under scrutiny following terror incidents. Post the 2008 Mumbai attacks and 2019 Pulwama bombing, bilateral cricket between the two nations was suspended, with only ICC tournaments serving as rare meeting grounds.
