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Cricket fraternity including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli condemns Pahalgam terror attack

“This tragedy proves why we shouldn’t play cricket with Pakistan—ever. When the BCCI and government refused to send the team to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some called it political. But taking innocent Indian lives seems to be their true game,” he wrote.

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2025

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India’s sports community was struck by a wave of sorrow and anger following the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. Many athletes joined the nation in condemning the violence, with some advocating for a complete halt to sporting relations with Pakistan.

The assault, which claimed at least 26 civilian lives, mostly tourists, and injured several others, occurred in a popular tourist area in south Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli voiced their grief over the tragedy. Tendulkar shared, “The pain of the affected families is unimaginable. India and the world mourn with them, standing united in the pursuit of justice.” Kohli posted on Instagram, “My heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. I pray for peace, strength, and swift justice for this brutal act.” Other cricketers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, echoed similar sentiments. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj shared a poignant message: “Targeting innocent people under the guise of religion is pure evil. No belief or cause can justify such horror. What kind of fight disregards human life? May this terror end, and may the perpetrators face unrelenting punishment.”

Former cricketer Shreevats Goswami issued a fiery call to end all sports ties with Pakistan. “This tragedy proves why we shouldn’t play cricket with Pakistan—ever. When the BCCI and government refused to send the team to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some called it political. But taking innocent Indian lives seems to be their true game,” he wrote. Having recently visited Pahalgam and felt its renewed sense of calm, Goswami added, “This bloodshed breaks your spirit. How long must we remain ‘sporting’ while our people perish? No more.” India has avoided bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2012-13, and the BCCI opted out of the recent Champions Trophy in Pakistan, though other Indian teams have attended multi-nation events there.

Olympic bronze medalist and BJP member Vijender Singh, visibly outraged, demanded strong action. “Our valiant forces will deliver a powerful response to this cowardly attack. Those trying to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir will never succeed against India’s brave defenders,” he asserted.

Indian cricket coach and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir vowed accountability, stating, “My thoughts are with the grieving families. Those responsible will face justice. India will respond decisively.” Badminton star PV Sindhu wrote, “The Pahalgam attack is heart-wrenching. No cause can justify such cruelty. To the families in pain, you are not alone. Let’s unite and hold onto hope for peace.”

Olympians and Athletes Unite in Condemnation
Olympic gold medalists Neeraj Chopra and Abhinav Bindra expressed their devastation. Chopra wrote, “Shattered by the tragedy in Jammu & Kashmir. My prayers go out to the victims and their families.” Bindra added, “The Pahalgam attack is appalling. Violence and hatred have no place in our world. We must stand together against terror.”

The attack, the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, prompted strong reactions across the sports world. Suresh Raina stated, “We condemn this Pakistan-sponsored act. India stands with our Army, J&K Police, and Paramilitary forces in the fight for justice.” Harbhajan Singh wrote, “My heart breaks for those lost in this unforgivable tragedy.”

Hockey legend PR Sreejesh, shuttler Saina Nehwal, and boxer Nikhat Zareen also called for accountability. Sreejesh declared, “Mere words of condemnation aren’t enough—justice must prevail. Terror cannot win.” Nehwal posted, “This attack underscores the threats we face. India is united, and justice will be served. Jai Hind.” Zareen added, “Attacking innocents is an attack on humanity. The Pahalgam tragedy demands immediate justice.”

Former cricketer Parthiv Patel expressed shock: “I’m stunned and furious. The cruelty of this act leaves me numb, but justice will be served.” Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Anil Kumble offered condolences, with Kumble stating, “Innocent lives lost to mindless violence. Let’s stand against hate and support the families.” Ravi Shastri called it “a vile act that should unite the nation without exception.”

The unified outrage from India’s sports fraternity underscores a collective demand for justice and a reevaluation of sporting ties with Pakistan amid escalating cross-border tensions.

Related Topics:Pahalgam terror attack Virat Kohli

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Abhishek Sharma smashes 113 off 38 balls as India beat New Zealand in 3rd ODI

Abhishek Sharma hammered 113 off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s 199-run target in 13.2 overs, winning the third T20I by six wickets.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning batting performance in the third T20 International against New Zealand in Wellington, smashing 113 off just 38 balls to power India’s chase of 199. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.

The Indian opener’s explosive innings proved decisive as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 198/3. His aggressive approach put the hosts under pressure and helped India complete the chase with plenty of overs to spare.

Abhishek Sharma leads India’s chase

Abhishek’s 113-run knock off 38 deliveries was the standout performance of the contest. His innings provided India with the momentum needed to pursue the 199-run target at a rapid pace.

The century also made Abhishek the central figure of the third T20I, with his power-hitting dominating the contest. India’s successful chase underlined the impact of his innings in a match where New Zealand had posted a substantial total.

India chase down 199 against New Zealand

New Zealand scored 198/3 in their innings, setting India a target of 199. However, India’s batters responded with an aggressive chase, reaching the target in just 13.2 overs.

The six-wicket victory gave India an important result in the five-match T20I series. Abhishek’s century was the defining contribution of the match, ensuring that the visitors completed the chase comfortably.

Abhishek Sharma’s innings takes the spotlight

Abhishek’s quickfire century was the major talking point from the Wellington encounter. Scoring 113 runs from only 38 balls, he combined scoring speed with the ability to keep India’s chase firmly on track.

His performance will be among the key highlights of the third T20I as India continue their campaign against New Zealand.

Cricket news

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win Asian Games cricket gold

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final to retain the gold medal in the competition.

Published

1 month ago

October 3, 2026

APNLive Desk

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday to retain the gold medal.

India posted 211 for six after being sent in to bat, before restricting Pakistan to 192 for six in their 20 overs. The victory gave India their second successive Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket.

India post 211 in final

India’s batting was led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma contributed 51 off 22 balls.

The two batters provided the momentum as India reached 211 for six from their 20 overs.

India captain Shreyas Iyer had won the toss and elected to bat first in the final.

Pakistan fall 19 runs short

Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Hasan Nawaz, who made 96 from 51 balls. Saim Ayub added 29 from 22 balls, but Pakistan finished on 192 for six after 20 overs.

India’s Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each took two wickets as Pakistan fell short of the target.

The result secured the gold medal for India, while Pakistan finished with silver. Sri Lanka won the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh in the bronze-medal match.

India retain Asian Games cricket title

The victory marked India’s second consecutive men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games. India had also won the men’s cricket gold at the Hangzhou edition.

India’s victory over Pakistan also completed a gold-medal double for the country in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games, after the women’s team won the women’s cricket final earlier in the competition.

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Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian to play T20Is in 13 countries

Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries after featuring against Sri Lanka in Japan.

Published

1 month ago

October 1, 2026

APNLive Desk

Jasprit Bumrah added another milestone to his international career on Thursday after taking the field for India against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket semifinal in Japan.

Bumrah’s appearance at Nishin made him the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries, according to the report. He moved ahead of former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have each played T20Is in 12 countries.

Bumrah’s 13-country T20I record

Before playing in Japan, Bumrah had represented India in T20Is in 12 other countries — India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the United States, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

His appearance in Japan took the tally to 13. Kohli, Rohit and Bhuvneshwar had played in all of those countries except Japan, leaving Bumrah alone at the top of the list.

Kohli and Rohit cannot add to their totals as both have retired from T20I cricket, according to the source.

Bumrah shines against Sri Lanka

Bumrah also made an immediate impact in his first T20I appearance in Japan. He claimed two wickets in his opening over against Sri Lanka and finished with figures of 2/7 in two overs.

India went on to dismiss Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.5 overs and won the semifinal by 124 runs to book a place in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final.

The result set up an India-Pakistan gold-medal clash, scheduled for October 3.

Jasprit Bumrah has become the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries. His appearance against Sri Lanka in Japan took him past Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have played T20Is in 12 countries each.