"India should also withdraw from playing against Pakistan in ICC tournaments"

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed strong views on the future of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Kashmir.

“I believe India should not only continue its stance of avoiding any bilateral series with Pakistan, but should now also go ahead and withdraw from playing against Pakistan in all ICC [International Cricket Council] and ACC [Asian Cricket Council] tournaments too,” Azharuddin, 61, told mid-day on the sidelines of an event at Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle on Sunday.

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As many as 26 innocent lives were lost when terrorists fired at tourists holidaying in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region earlier this week (April 22). Azharuddin described the attacks as “very, very sad,” and insisted that such acts of terrorism demand a strong response. “Cricket is a sport that unites, but it cannot be played in the shadow of such tragedies,” added Azharuddin.

The Hyderabadi also supported the BCCI’s decision to instruct players at the ongoing Indian Premier League to wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the terror victims. “It’s a good way of showing solidarity with the affected families,” he said.

India has not played a bilateral series with Pakistan since 2012-13. The arch-rivals only meet in ICC events like the Twenty20 World Cup, 50-over World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and Asian Cricket Council-organised competitions. Former captain Azharuddin’s views will only further fuel the debate about the intersection of sports and politics.