India should send strong message to Pakistan after Pulwama, says Sourav Ganguly

He was at the helm when India went for a historic bilateral tour of Pakistan after a decade-and-half in 2004. However, the recent suicide terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir that left over 40 personnel dead has certainly shut the doors on chances of revival of cricketing relations between the two nations. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly felt that the Government of India should give the neighbouring country a strong reply.

Angry reactions have poured in from several quarters after the dastardly attack on the jawans. Cricketers – current and former – have expressed shock with voices even emerging seeking a boycott of Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup in England. Harbhajan Singh, for instance, has demanded that India should not play Pakistan in the WC and that they could still win the title.

Ganguly also expressed his anguish over the attack. Speaking on “Cricket Ki Baat” on IndiaTV, the 46-year-old said: “Whatever happened in Pulwama last week was really sad…it is the worst possible thing that could ever happen. And, whatever reactions came from the people of India…was right. There is no chance of a bilateral series with Pakistan after this incident.”

The former captain who led India to a memorable win over Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, said the sentiments of people asking India to boycott Pakistan in the upcoming WC are understandable and felt the government should take a strong action on the issue.

“The aftereffect of this should be strong from India,” he said.

No sporting ties with Pakistan, stresses Ganguly

Ganguly said India should not only stop playing cricket with Pakistan but also sever all sporting links with the neighbouring country. The cricketer-turned-administrator also said that he didn’t think there was any office-bearer left in the BCCI now yet felt that the cricket board should take a strong stand and a send a “no-nonsense message”.

The former cricketer also felt that not playing Pakistan in the World Cup will not be an issue for India since they have eight other teams to play.

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