Sourav Ganguly Urges India to Cut All Cricketing Ties with Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

Sourav Ganguly has delivered a strong message in the wake of the recent terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. Speaking to reporters, the former India captain and BCCI president said India should completely cut cricketing ties with Pakistan — even at ICC and Asian events.

"100 percent, this should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated," Ganguly told ANI, making his stance clear. Historically, India and Pakistan have only faced off in ICC tournaments like the T20 and 50-over World Cups, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup, organised by the Asian Cricket Council. But Ganguly believes even these meetings should stop. 

Due to political tensions, India hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008, and bilateral series between the two have been off the table since 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India for a limited-overs series. Even in major tournaments, India has avoided travelling to Pakistan — during the recent Champions Trophy, India played their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model rather than setting foot in Pakistan.  

The calls for severing ties come alongside broader diplomatic measures taken by the Indian government after the Pahalgam attack, where 26 people tragically lost their lives. Among those measures: closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, ordering them to leave within 40 hours, and reducing the number of officers at High Commissions on both sides. 

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also weighed in, echoing Ganguly’s sentiments. Speaking to Sports Today, Shukla stressed that India’s refusal to play bilateral series with Pakistan isn’t new — it follows the Indian government's consistent stance. "We have always maintained this position," he said. 

While Pakistan participated in the ODI World Cup 2023 hosted by India, the situation was very different for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. India has refused to travel to Pakistan, with all their matches — including the India vs Pakistan clash and the final — scheduled in Dubai under the hybrid model. With emotions running high and diplomatic tensions escalating, it seems unlikely that cricketing ties between the two nations will resume anytime soon.