‘Koi mazak nahi hai…’: Sourav Ganguly calls for India to sever all cricket ties with Pakistan

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain, has called for the complete severing of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people. Speaking on the issue, Ganguly emphasized that such recurring attacks on Indian soil should no longer be tolerated. "Terrorism cannot be tolerated," he said, underlining the importance of taking strict action in response to the ongoing security concerns.

India has not played a bilateral cricket series with Pakistan since the 2012-13 season, with both teams only meeting in international tournaments such as the ICC World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. The last bilateral series between the two countries was held in India in 2012-13, and India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to heightened security risks after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. This longstanding suspension of bilateral cricketing ties has been driven by strained political and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government took swift action, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of water resources between India and Pakistan. Additionally, the Integrated Check Post at Attari was closed, and visas issued to Pakistani nationals were revoked. The government's response to the attack reflects a broader strategy to respond to Pakistan's alleged involvement in supporting terrorism and underscores the tension between the two countries.

The call to break all cricketing ties with Pakistan has gained traction, with several former cricketers, including Shreevats Goswami, sharing similar views. Goswami had previously suggested that India should completely boycott Pakistan in cricket, condemning Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism. These statements reflect the growing frustration within India regarding Pakistan's actions and their impact on national security, as well as the limited scope for any sports-based diplomacy in the current climate.

Despite these calls, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained that it will continue to follow the government's policy on cricketing relations with Pakistan. BCCI has stated that it will not initiate any bilateral series with Pakistan unless directed by the Indian government. The situation remains fluid, as both the political and sporting landscapes continue to evolve amidst the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.