In the aftermath of the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 Indian nationals, former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for severing all cricketing ties with Pakistan. The former skipper called the situation grave and emphasized the urgent need for “strict and uncompromising action” in the face of repeated terror incidents emanating from across the border.
Speaking to media in Kolkata on Friday, Ganguly was direct and unequivocal in his stance. “One hundred per cent, this should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” he said, referring to the consistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism and its impact on Indo-Pak relations.
Ganguly’s Call Reflects National Mood
Ganguly’s comments come at a time when national sentiment is heavily tilted toward complete diplomatic, economic, and cultural isolation of Pakistan. His remarks mirror the growing consensus that sporting ties, especially cricket — often seen as a diplomatic ice-breaker — should not continue under the current hostile circumstances.
While Ganguly is not holding any official position in Indian cricket at present, his influence and legacy as one of India’s most respected cricketing figures lend significant weight to his statement.
Cricketing Context: A Rivalry Stuck in Limbo
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to persistent political and security tensions. The last full series was hosted in India and comprised limited-overs matches. Since then, the two cricketing giants have only clashed in multinational tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup, ICC ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup — all played under heightened security and immense media scrutiny.
The most recent flashpoint came during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India refused to travel to Pakistan, resulting in a hybrid hosting model that moved India’s matches to Sri Lanka. This arrangement has been a source of tension between the two cricket boards, with the BCCI maintaining that Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan unless security and diplomatic clearances are given.
ICC’s Hybrid Model and the 2024–2027 Cycle
The International Cricket Council (ICC), under the leadership of Chairman Jay Shah, has now proposed a hybrid hosting model for all ICC events in the 2024–2027 cycle, particularly for tournaments involving both India and Pakistan. These models, however, are seen by many in India as an unsustainable workaround given the volatile geopolitical backdrop.
If India were to withdraw from games involving Pakistan entirely — not just bilateral but even at neutral ICC events — it would set a new precedent with major financial, viewership, and political implications.
Broader Government Response: Diplomatic and Strategic Isolation
The Indian government has already initiated several strong retaliatory actions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack:
- Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, effectively suspending cross-border movement of goods and civilians.
- Termination of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, with a strict 40-hour timeline for exit.
- Reduction of diplomatic staff in both the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.
- Halting of water sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty — a move signaled by Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil, who declared that “not a single drop” of Indian water would flow into Pakistan as retaliation.
Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also weighed in, calling the Indus Waters Treaty “the most unfair document” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and stated that it never enjoyed local support.
Implications for Pakistan Cricket
If Ganguly’s recommendations are adopted more formally by Indian cricket authorities and the central government, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would face major setbacks — financially and diplomatically. With India’s market forming a large share of the ICC’s commercial revenue, the lack of Indo-Pak matches would dent both the ICC’s bottom line and Pakistan’s share of earnings.
Pakistan’s cricketers would also lose out on the biggest stage in terms of visibility, competition, and commercial opportunities, further marginalizing the PCB on the world stage.
In Summary: Sourav Ganguly’s powerful statement reflects not only a personal opinion but also a broader shift in India’s national and sporting approach to Pakistan. As calls for total isolation grow louder, it’s becoming increasingly likely that cricket — once viewed as a potential bridge — may now become a front line in the broader geopolitical standoff.
