A devastating terror attack shook the peaceful tourist town of Pahalgam in South Kashmir on Tuesday, leaving at least 26 civilians de*d and over 20 injured. The tragedy, which unfolded in one of the region’s most visited destinations, has not only triggered national mourning but also stirred intense public discourse, particularly around India’s sporting relations with Pakistan.
In the aftermath of the attack, former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami expressed his anguish and frustration on social media, urging a complete cessation of cricketing ties with Pakistan. Drawing a direct line between the violence and India’s engagement in sports with its neighbour, he emphasised that sporting diplomacy cannot be justified when innocent lives are lost to te*ror. Goswami’s response reflected a broader sentiment of outrage, as he questioned the oft-repeated belief that “sport should rise above politics,” asserting instead that such ideals fall flat in the face of repeated bloodshed.
His message resonated especially strongly given his personal connection to the place. Goswami had visited Pahalgam just months ago for the Legends League and spoke of seeing a glimmer of peace returning to the region. He recalled walking through the town, meeting locals and sensing a renewed hope — a fragile optimism now shattered by violence. For him, the tragedy struck deeper, making it not just a national incident but a personal heartbreak.
He criticised the tendency to remain silent or neutral under the guise of sportsmanship, arguing that silence in the face of terror equates to complicity. His appeal was pointed — calling for dignity and zero tolerance instead of diplomatic courtesy or sporting goodwill.
The attack itself was reportedly targeted and deliberate. Eyewitness accounts suggest the gunmen, dressed in clothing resembling that of local law enforcement, emerged from nearby hills and selectively attacked tourists after asking them to identify their religion. A survivor recounted how her father and uncle were gunned down at close range after being singled out by the attackers.
Here is what Shreevats Goswami wrote, “And this is exactly why I say – you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever. When BCCI or the government refused to send India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the audacity to say, ‘Oh, but sport should rise above politics’.”
He also wrote, “Really? Because from where I stand, murdering innocent civilians seems to be their national sport. And if that’s how they play – then it’s time we respond in a language they truly understand. Not with bats and balls. But with resolve. With dignity. With zero tolerance.”
He added, “I’m furious. I’m devastated. Just a few months ago, I was in Kashmir for the Legends League – I walked through Pahalgam, met the locals, saw hope returning to their eyes. It felt like peace had finally found its way back. And now, this bloodshed again. It breaks something inside you. It makes you question how many more times we’re expected to stay silent, stay “sporting,” while our people die. No more. Not this time.”
https://x.com/shreevats1/status/1914751882960232463
Political leaders, too, voiced their condemnation. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the incident as one of the most severe attacks on civilians in recent years, underscoring its gravity and scale. His remarks echoed a growing concern over the safety of civilians in the region and the broader implications such violence has for national unity and regional stability.
As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the Pahalgam attack has once again brought to light the fragile balance between diplomacy and national security. While cricket has often served as a bridge in Indo-Pak relations, this tragedy has reignited calls for a reassessment of that approach — led not by bat and ball but by a firm resolve to prioritise peace and justice.
