India should withdraw from all cricket events vs Pakistan: Azharuddin
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Mumbai: In the matter of rapidly degrading diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan, following the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people, former Indian cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin expressed his strong views. He said that India should withdraw from playing against Pakistan in all ICC (International Cricket Council) and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) tournaments while continuing its stance on avoiding any bilateral series with the neighbour, mid-day reports.
Azhadruddin told mid-day, “I believe India should not only continue its stance of avoiding any bilateral series with Pakistan but should now also go ahead and withdraw from playing against Pakistan in all ICC [International Cricket Council] and ACC [Asian Cricket Council] tournaments too.”
He described the attacks as “very, very sad" and said that acts of terrorism should be dealt with strong response. Cricket is a sport that unites and cannot be played in the shadow of tragedies, he said.
Further, he supported the move of BCCI (Board of Control of Cricket) asking players of the Indian Premier League to wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the terror victims, saying that it is a good way of showing solidarity with the families of the victims.
Since 2012-13, India has not played any bilateral series with Pakistan, and the two teams only met at ICC events such as the wenty20 World Cup, 50-over World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and Asian Cricket Council-organised competitions.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, including that of a Nepali national.
Previously handled by the J&K Police, the case was transferred to the NIA following orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, as stated in a press release.
On April 22, terrorists opened fire on sightseers in Baisaran meadows, a well-known tourist destination in the mountainous region of Pahalgam.
The attack claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling moments when the terrorists approached, questioned their religion, and then opened fire at close range. Among the 26 victims, 25 were Hindu men specifically targeted for their faith.