Bhavnagar: The families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack have strongly criticised the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match, expressing deep anguish and calling for a complete boycott of any engagement with Pakistan.
Sawan Parmar, who lost both his father and 16-year-old brother in the April 22 attack, voiced his pain and disappointment, stating that the decision to go ahead with the match undermines the sacrifices made.
“When we heard about the India vs Pakistan match, we were very disturbed. There should be no form of connection with Pakistan. If they want to play this match, then bring my brother back — he was riddled with bullets. Operation Sindoor seems like a waste now,” he said.
His mother, Kiran Yatish Parmar, also appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the timing and intent behind hosting the match while military operations like Operation Sindoor are still ongoing.
“The match should not take place. Our wounds are still fresh. I want to ask PM Modi — if Operation Sindoor hasn’t concluded, why is this match happening? Let people visit the homes of victims and see the grief for themselves,” she said.
The attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 tourists and has been attributed to Pakistan-backed militants. The incident has reignited national anger and fueled a growing demand to sever all ties, including sporting engagements, with Pakistan.
Former cricketer and BJP leader Kedar Jadhav also echoed the sentiment, stating:
“I don’t know what decision will be taken, but personally, I believe this match should not be played.”
With tensions still high and emotions raw, the upcoming match has become a flashpoint, drawing attention to the broader debate over sports diplomacy versus national sentiment in the wake of terror attacks.
