MI Captain Hardik Pandya Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, IPL Observes Tributes
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya joined the cricketing fraternity in condemning Tuesday’s Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. “We strongly condemn such cowardly attacks on our people. My heart goes out to the families of the victims,” Pandya said, reflecting nationwide outrage over the assault by The Resistance Front (TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot.
During MI vs SRH in Hyderabad, players and umpires wore black armbands and observed a one-minute silence to honor the victims. Cheerleader performances and fireworks were cancelled as a mark of respect. BCCI secretary DevajitSaikia condemned the “ghastly and cowardly act,” extending condolences to bereaved families.
The attack drew sharp rebukes from global leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, who backed India’s counter-terrorism efforts. Amit Shah vowed, “Bharat will not bend to terror,” after visiting the attack site and meeting victims’ families.
Debasish Bhattacharyya, a professor from Assam, revealed terrorists spared him after he recited the Islamic Kalima prayer. Others were executed for failing to prove their Muslim identity.
Players like ViratKohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill condemned the attack on social media, while Yuvraj Singh urged unity against terrorism. The IPL’s tributes underscored sports’ role in fostering national resilience during crises.