Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian cricketer, expressed his sorrow for the recent terrorist incidents in Pahalgam that resulted in the loss of many lives in Kashmir. This happened just before the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. The attack on Tuesday reportedly claimed the lives of 26 people, most of whom were tourists, and caused widespread anger across the country and beyond.
Gavaskar, who was part of the cricket analysis for the IPL, extended his condolences and raised the question as to what would these attackers wish to gain? He said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost their near and dear ones. It has shaken all of us Indians…I just want to ask those who did this and the people who support them: What has all this fighting achieved?”
He also added: “For the last 78 years, not an inch of land has been won or lost. For the next 78,000 years, it is clear that nothing is going to change. Why can’t they choose to live peacefully and strengthen their country?”
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia condemned the attacks as ghastly and cowardly. He expressed his anguish at the loss of innocent lives and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families: The cricketing fraternity is heartily shocked and pained by the unfortunate incidents that have led to the loss of innocent lives. We stand united in this hour of sorrow.
With respect to the attacks, there were no fireworks or cheerleaders during the match between the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. Both teams donned black armbands and observed a minute of silence to pay their respects to the victims.