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Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez expressed sadness over the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 Indians.
Mohammad Hafeez (PTI Photo)
Former Pakistan captain Mohamamd Hafeez has said he’s ‘sad and heartbroken’ about the Pahalgam terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 Indians in Kashmir on Tuesday. Terrorists opened fire in tourist destination Baisaran, often referred to as ‘mini Switzerland’, on tourists from all across the country, injuring several others.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a part of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The Indian cricket community has expressed its shock and sadness at the attack over the past few hours, but Hafeez is one of the few Pakistanis to join in mourning for the victims.
Here’s his tweet:
Earlier, former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria, had also given a statement on X, saying, “Why is it that they never target local Kashmiris, but consistently attack Hindus — be it Kashmiri Pandits or Hindu tourists from across India? Because terrorism, no matter how it’s disguised, follows one ideology — and the whole world is paying the price for it. #Pahalgam”
India and Pakistan’s cricketing relations are bound to get affected after a terror attack of this magnitude. After the 2008 Terror attack in Mumbai, the neighboring countries have not played any bilateral international cricket. Pakistan players have also been barred from the IPL and the Women’s Premier League since then.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had released a statement expressing the community’s shock and anguish at the incident.
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said. “On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the berieved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy,” he added.
The BCCI has also reportedly decided to avoid any fireworks and cheerleaders for Wednesday’s IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in Uppal. The players from both teams will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect to the victims and their families.
