Ganguly Urges End to Cricket Ties After Attack

Following the terror attack in Kashmir on April 22, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has called for India to end all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including fixtures in ICC and Asian tournaments. 

Addressing reporters on Saturday, Ganguly insisted that India must take a firm stand against ongoing acts of terrorism originating from across the border.

"100%, India should do this (break ties with Pakistan). Strict action should be taken. It has turned out to be a joke that such things are happening every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated," Ganguly told the press.

The attack took place in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadows, where five to six terrorists opened fire on civilians, resulting in the deaths of 26 people and leaving many more injured. 

Responsibility for the attack was claimed by The Resistance Force (TRF), a Pakistani terrorist group affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Earlier, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla had strongly condemned the incident. Speaking to a news outlet, Shukla underlined that India refrains from engaging in bilateral cricketing series with Pakistan due to the government's directive, and reaffirmed that this position would continue.

"We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government will say, we will do. We don't play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government's stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware of whatever is happening," Shukla stated.

Reflecting this stance, India had also decided not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, opting instead to play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to the tragedy, assured the nation that strict and decisive measures would be taken against the perpetrators and their supporters. 

Speaking at a public rally in Bihar, the Prime Minister delivered a stern message in the aftermath of the attack. "Today from the soil of Bihar I say to the whole world. India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth," Prime Minister Modi declared, switching to English during his speech.

"India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve," Modi added while addressing a gathering in Madhubani, a region where Maithili and Hindi are predominantly spoken.

The Prime Minister also extended his gratitude towards the international community for their support following the attack. "Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank people and leaders of countries who have stood with us," he said. 

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