 "The sporting ties between India and Pakistan have worsened after the Pahalgam attack. Image: Reuters")
India-Pakistan sporting ties have faced a major setback following the terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which resulted in the tragic death of 26 innocent tourists. This incident has seriously affected the relationship between the two countries across all industries, and sports is no exception.
India withdraws from Central Asian Volleyball event
Recently, the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) confirmed that India has pulled out of the Central Asian Volleyball event scheduled for 28 May in Islamabad. Abdul Ahad, an official from PVF, said India was planning to send a 30-member team, including 22 players, but has now cancelled their participation.
“The Indian Volleyball officials have informed the regional body that their government has cancelled the NOC issued to them for the tournament after the incident in Pahalgam. It is disappointing to know India has withdrawn from the championship and they will be replaced either by Afghanistan or Sri Lanka,” Ahad was quoted as saying by news agencies.
Pakistani social media accounts face ban in India
But the tension is not limited to volleyball alone. Several Pakistani social media accounts, especially those belonging to well-known former cricketers including Shoaib Akhtar, have been banned in India. Even YouTube channels of Pakistani cricket experts and former players are facing a similar ban after the attack.
Calls grow in India to boycott Pakistan in cricket
Moreover, calls to boycott Pakistan in major cricket events have become louder in India. Prominent cricket personalities like former India captains Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin, and ex-KKR batter Shreevats Goswami have openly suggested not playing against Pakistan in ICC tournaments. Jay Shah is the current president of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“100 per cent, this should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” Ganguly said when asked if India should completely cut off cricket ties with Pakistan.
India’s cricket ties with Bangladesh under threat
The cricket ties with other nations might also be affected. There are reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may cancel India’s tour of Bangladesh, which is scheduled for August of this year. The reason behind this is linked to increased tension after the Pahalgam attack, particularly after controversial remarks from a retired Bangladesh army officer suggesting Bangladesh should capture India’s northeastern states if India attacks Pakistan.
“If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should occupy seven states of North-East India. In this regard, I think it is necessary to start a discussion on a joint-military system with China,” Maj Gen (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman said in a post on Facebook. A Times of India report later claimed that India might reconsider their upcoming tour of Bangladesh.
Uncertainty looms over Asia Cup 2025
Even the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which India was supposed to host, is now under threat and could possibly be cancelled if tensions continue. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is the current president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). India are the defending champions having defeated Sri Lanka in the previous edition in 2023.
Pakistan’s participation in Asia Cup Hockey uncertain
Similarly, Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup Hockey tournament, scheduled to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, is now also unlikely due to growing tensions after the attack. The event is slated to take place from 27 August to 7 September.