New Delhi– World champion powerlifter Mahant Gaurav Sharma has strongly denounced the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and left many others injured.
The attack took place Tuesday afternoon in the scenic Baisaran Valley, a lush meadow located about six kilometers from the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam. Terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists and locals, resulting in significant casualties.
Expressing his grief and outrage over the attack, Sharma stated, “I am deeply shocked by the tragic loss of innocent lives in this gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam. This was a cowardly and despicable act. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray for the souls of those who were lost. The Indian government must take firm and decisive action against those responsible for this heinous crime.”
In addition to condemning the attack, Sharma called for a complete severance of all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including participation in ICC tournaments.
“The BCCI should not engage in any cricket matches with Pakistan, not even in ICC events,” Sharma urged. “We must send a clear and unequivocal message: if you support terrorism, there will be no sporting ties. Enough is enough — strong, uncompromising action is necessary.”
Political tensions between India and Pakistan have long affected their sporting relations. Since 2008, the Indian cricket team has not traveled to Pakistan, and bilateral cricket series between the two nations have been suspended. The teams have only faced each other in ICC events or multi-nation tournaments since 2013.
Recent tensions were further highlighted when India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to agree to a hybrid model for hosting its first major tournament since 2006. In response, the PCB announced that the Pakistan women’s team would not travel to India for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup later this year. Instead, their matches will be played at a neutral venue.
On Wednesday, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla also addressed the ongoing debate about cricketing ties between the two nations. “India and Pakistan do not play bilateral series, and we will continue to follow the directives of the Indian government,” Shukla told IANS.
As calls for tougher responses to terrorism grow louder, sporting relations between India and Pakistan remain a focal point of diplomatic strain. (Source: IANS)
