Sourav Ganguly Urges BCCI to Cut Ties with Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack

BarakOutlet News | Kolkata | April 26, 2025: Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for India to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. Speaking to ANI in Kolkata, Ganguly emphasized that terrorism cannot be tolerated under any circumstances and called for firm action.

“100 percent, 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 said, reflecting the public sentiment of outrage and grief across India.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have historically affected cricketing relations. Since 2012-13, the two nations have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series. India last toured Pakistan during the Asia Cup in 2008. In recent years, India has refused to travel to Pakistan for major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. Instead, matches between the two nations during ICC events have been hosted at neutral venues, notably in Dubai, under a formula introduced under the leadership of Jay Shah.

In the wake of the latest terror attack, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla reiterated the board’s position: “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. But when it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement.”

While there are no ICC men’s events scheduled for this year, the Women’s ODI World Cup is set for September-October 2025, to be hosted by India. However, Pakistan’s matches are expected to be conducted at a neutral venue, following the precedent set in previous tournaments.

Earlier agreements between the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and broadcasters had unofficially ensured that each Asia Cup would feature at least two India-Pakistan matches, with the possibility of a third if both teams reach the final. The ACC has already sold the media rights for four editions for an estimated $170 million.

However, with public anger intensifying and political sensitivities rising after the Pahalgam attack, the future of India-Pakistan cricket clashes remains uncertain. Sourav Ganguly’s statement may further fuel demands for a complete boycott, pushing cricket authorities and policymakers toward tougher decisions in the coming months.

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