As the world condemned the horrific terrorist assault in Pahalgam, India's sporting community wavered between sadness and anger, with some calling for the country to sever all sports links with Pakistan. At least 26 civilians were killed and numerous others were injured when terrorists opened fire on Tuesday at a popular tourist destination in Pahalgam, south Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), a covert organization of the outlawed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organization located in Pakistan, has taken credit for the assault.
"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'," former India cricketer Shreevats Goswami said in a strongly-worded post.
"...murdering innocent Indians seems to be Pakistan's national sport and India should respond with zero tolerance and not with bats and balls," he added.
To honor the attack victims, there will be a one-minute silence on Wednesday's IPL 2025 match between SRH and MI. The match in Hyderabad will not feature cheerleaders or fireworks, and the players and umpires will don black armbands.
However, in another tweet, Goswami urged all Indian players participating in the league to wear the black armbands for a week at least to show solidarity on the victims of this heinous act.
"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. Thank you," he wrote.
Goswami in his earlier tweet also mentioned his experience of visiting the region while taking part in the Legends League. "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 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," he added.
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