A picturesque tourist town in South Kashmir Pahalgam was shattered on April 22 by a horrific act of terror. Gunmen unleashed a brutal attack on innocent civilians who were present at a vibrant tourist hotspot. This appalling violence resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 26 individuals, and left more than 20 others wounded, casting a pall of profound grief and widespread chaos across the nation.
News of this brutal incident has sent shockwaves throughout the country, igniting a powerful wave of sorrow and intense fury. The sheer scale and senselessness of the attack have deeply affected communities, leading to an outpouring of grief for the victims and their families, coupled with a strong demand for accountability and justice.
BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla on Pahalgam terror attack
Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla, in an exclusive interaction with Sports Tak, strongly condemned the heinous terror attack and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. Rajeev Shukla once again reminded everyone why India don't play bilateral series with Pakistan anymore. He said India will continue their stance to not engage in any bilateral series against Pakistan going forward.
"We are with the victims and we condemn it," he told Sports Tak.
When asked should BCCI stop playing cricket with Pakistan, he said:
"Whatever our government will say Will do. We don't play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when the it comes to ICC event we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening they Will to it".
Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also conveyed his profound sadness regarding the dreadful terror attack that occurred in Pahalgam. He issued a strong condemnation of the violent act and offered his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives. Saikia affirmed that the entire cricketing fraternity stands together in solidarity during this period of immense sorrow.
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy," Saikia told Sports Tak.
BCCI has also implemented specific measures for the IPL 2025 match between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) following the tragic terror attack in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir. As a mark of respect for the victims, a minute of silence will be observed prior to the start of the game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium today, April 23.
Moreover, the players and officials representing both the Mumbai Indians and the Sunrisers Hyderabad will wear black armbands as a collective gesture of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the heinous act of terrorism in Pahalgam. Additionally, as a further sign of mourning and solidarity, the customary fireworks display and performances by cheerleaders will be omitted from today's match between MI and SRH.