Sourav Ganguly Demands Severance of Ties with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a powerful and unequivocal statement, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind the call to completely sever ties with Pakistan in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed 26 innocent lives on Tuesday. Known for his fearless leadership on the field, Ganguly has now taken a resolute stand off it, emphasizing the urgent need for stringent action against terrorism.
Speaking exclusively to ANI, Ganguly expressed his outrage, stating, ‘100 per cent, breaking ties with Pakistan should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated.‘ His words resonate with a growing sentiment across India, where frustration over repeated terror incidents linked to cross-border elements has reached a boiling point.
The Pahalgam attack, targeting primarily tourists in one of Kashmir’s most scenic destinations, has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. This incident marks the deadliest attack in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed 40 CRPF personnel and significantly strained Indo-Pak relations. Reports indicate that the attack was meticulously planned, with the intent to destabilize the region’s fragile peace and tarnish its image as a tourist haven.
In a fitting tribute to the victims, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a heartfelt statement condemning the ‘ghastly and cowardly‘ act. During IPL 2025 Match 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, a minute’s silence was observed before the game. Players donned black armbands as a mark of respect, while all celebratory elements such as cheerleaders, music, and fireworks were rightfully omitted from the matchday experience. This gesture underscored cricket’s role as a unifying force in times of national mourning.
India’s cricketing ties with Pakistan have been non-existent at the bilateral level since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which claimed 166 lives. The Indian team has not toured Pakistan since, and tensions have further escalated with India’s refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan, citing security concerns. Matches between the two nations are now limited to multi-nation tournaments under the aegis of the International Cricket Council (ICC), with venues often shifted to neutral territories like the UAE or Sri Lanka.
Ganguly’s stance is not just a reflection of personal opinion but mirrors a broader call for accountability. The former captain, fondly known as the ‘Maharaja of Indian Cricket‘, has often been vocal on issues of national importance. His tenure as BCCI president from 2019 to 2022 saw significant structural reforms in Indian cricket, and his voice continues to carry immense weight in both sporting and societal discussions.
As the nation mourns the loss in Pahalgam, Sourav Ganguly’s words serve as a reminder that cricket, much like life, cannot remain insulated from the harsh realities of geopolitics and terrorism. The call to sever ties is not just about sport—it’s a demand for justice, security, and peace. The question remains: will this tragedy finally push for a definitive stand, or will it be yet another chapter in a long-standing stalemate?