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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has called for ending all cricketing relations with Pakistan following recent tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The tensions between the two Asian countries escalated in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Sourav Ganguly, who also served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed his views during a media interaction in Kolkata.
The 52-year-old remarked that strict action is necessary as such incidents occur every year.
“100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated, ” he told reporters.
A few days earlier, Rajeev Shukla, the Vice President of the BCCI, echoed similar sentiments, stating that India would not play any bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan.
“Whatever our government will say, will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government’s stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,. ” he said.
Rajeev emphasized that India will participate in events organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the global governing body’s involvement.
“But when it comes to ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2013. Meanwhile, both teams have frequently faced each other in the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.
Looking ahead, the next ICC event isn’t until the Women’s ODI World Cup in September-October 2025, which India is set to host.
The tournament will follow a round-robin format featuring eight teams — including Pakistan — meaning each team will play every other side, rendering group-based separation irrelevant.
Although India is hosting the tournament, the matches involving Pakistan will take place at a neutral venue. Currently, no decision has been made regarding the locations of Pakistan’s fixtures.
READ: BCCI denies requesting separate groups for India-Pakistan clashes in ICC events
