'Break All Cricket Ties With Pakistan': Ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly Blunt After Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
Break All Cricket Ties With Pakistan: Sourav Ganguly’s Strong Statement After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Former BCCI President’s Strong Stance
In a powerful statement that has sent ripples through the cricket world, former Indian captain and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has called for a complete severance of cricketing ties with Pakistan. Speaking to ANI in Kolkata, Ganguly’s comments come in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
“100 per cent, this (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,” Ganguly emphasized in his statement to ANI.
Current State of India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
The cricket relationship between India and Pakistan has been significantly limited in recent years, with interactions restricted to International Cricket Council (ICC) events and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments. The last bilateral series between the two nations took place in 2012-13 on Indian soil, featuring only white-ball matches.
Key Timeline:
- 2008: India’s last tour to Pakistan (Asia Cup)
- 2012-13: Last bilateral series between the two nations
- 2023: Pakistan’s participation in ODI World Cup in India
- 2025: India’s matches against Pakistan in Champions Trophy moved to Dubai
Diplomatic Measures and Cricket Policy
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Central government has implemented several diplomatic measures. These include closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, and reducing diplomatic presence in both countries’ High Commissions.
BCCI’s Official Position
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has reinforced the organization’s stance on bilateral cricket with Pakistan. He clarified that while India continues to participate in ICC events due to international commitments, bilateral series remain suspended in accordance with government policy.
“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 stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,” stated Shukla in his interview with Sports Tak.
Future of India-Pakistan Cricket
ICC chairman Jay Shah has implemented a hybrid model for all ICC events in the 2024-27 cycle involving India or Pakistan. This arrangement ensures that matches between the two nations can be conducted in neutral venues, addressing security concerns while maintaining international cricket commitments.
Impact on International Cricket
The situation continues to affect the landscape of international cricket, particularly in the context of major tournaments. The hybrid model adopted for the recent ICC Champions Trophy, where India played their matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan, may become the standard format for future tournaments involving both nations.
Current Cricket Arrangements:
- No bilateral series since 2012-13
- Meetings limited to ICC and ACC events
- Hybrid model implementation for major tournaments
- Neutral venues for India-Pakistan matches
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