New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): As India gears up to face Pakistan in a high-stakes cricket clash, emotions are running high among the families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, many of whom have strongly condemned the decision to hold the match.
The outrage stems from the deadly assault on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, where 26 Indian tourists lost their lives in an attack attributed to Pakistan-backed militants. While the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor in response to neutralize the attackers and their networks, several victim families now feel betrayed.
“If You Want to Play, Bring Back My Brother”
Sawan Parmar, who lost both his father and 16-year-old brother in the incident, expressed deep anguish over the timing of the match.
“We were very disturbed when we heard that the India-Pakistan match was going ahead,” he said. “No connection should remain with Pakistan. If you want to play this match, then give me my brother back—he was riddled with bullets. Operation Sindoor seems meaningless now.”
Parmar’s comments reflect growing public discontent among those personally affected by the April attack, who believe sporting ties with Pakistan undermine the sacrifices made by victims and soldiers alike.
“Our Wounds Are Still Fresh,” Says Grieving Mother
Kiran Yatish Parmar, Sawan’s mother, made an emotional appeal directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the decision to go forward with the match while the nation was still mourning.
“This match should not happen. I want to ask PM Modi — if Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, how can we justify playing cricket with the country that sponsored the killers of our loved ones?” she said. “Let the rest of the country visit our homes and see the sorrow we live with daily. Our wounds haven’t healed.”
Political and Public Pushback
The families’ sentiments echo broader concerns voiced by political figures and members of civil society, who feel that India’s participation in sporting events against Pakistan sends the wrong message at a time of heightened tension.
Former Indian cricketer and BJP leader Kedar Jadhav also joined the chorus of disapproval. Speaking to reporters earlier, he said, “I’ve already made my stance clear — I believe India should not play this match. I don’t know what decision will be taken, but I strongly feel this fixture should be called off.”
BCCI Cites Compulsion in Multilateral Tournaments
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently clarified that the decision to play in the ongoing Asia Cup is not a discretionary one. Officials have emphasized that participation in multinational tournaments is mandated by international agreements and cannot be boycotted unilaterally without risking sanctions or diplomatic fallout in the sporting world.
Still, that explanation offers little comfort to those who have suffered personal losses.
Divided Public Opinion
While many cricket fans continue to look forward to the India-Pakistan rivalry, the sentiment on the ground remains deeply divided. In cities like Ludhiana and Amritsar, public screenings have been cancelled in silent protest, and several hospitality venues have opted out of showing the match altogether.
The emotional divide highlights a complex national dilemma — balancing the spirit of sport with the unresolved pain of terrorism and national security concerns.
As the teams prepare to face off on the field, many off the field are left wondering whether the game should go on at all.
