The Indian cricketing fraternity has come together to mourn the loss of innocent lives and condemn the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed the lives of several civilians over the weekend. From legends to active players, voices across generations have offered heartfelt condolences and expressed outrage over the tragedy.
As a mark of respect, the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians saw a subdued atmosphere with no cheerleaders or fireworks. Players from both teams wore black armbands, honoring the victims in silence and solidarity.
Virat Kohli leads tributes with message of justice and peace
Former India captain Virat Kohli took to social media to share a deeply moving tribute:
“Deeply saddened by the heinous attack in Pahalgam on innocent people. Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength to families of all those who lost their lives and justice to be served for this cruel act,” wrote Kohli.
Current stars express sorrow and support
Team India batter Shubman Gill wrote:
“Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.”
Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025
KL Rahul echoed the sentiment, posting:
“Heartbreaking to hear about the terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength.”
Heartbreaking to hear about the terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength. 🙏
— K L Rahul (@klrahul) April 22, 2025
Former India coach and cricket legend Anil Kumble also added:
“Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic attack in Pahalgam. Innocent lives lost to senseless violence. Praying for strength and peace for the affected families. Let’s stand together against hate.”
Pathan brothers: A personal reflection on pain
Irfan Pathan, who was in Kashmir just days before the attack, expressed deep emotional pain:
“Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity loses. It’s heartbreaking to see and hear about what happened in Kashmir today. I was just there couple of days ago – this pain feels too close.”
Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity loses. It’s heartbreaking to see and hear about what happened in Kashmir today. I was just there couple of days ago — this pain feels too close.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 22, 2025
Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Praying for the victims and for the strength of their families 🙏🏻 Let us stand united in hope and humanity. #PahalgamTerroristAttack
His elder brother Yusuf Pathan issued a powerful statement of condemnation and empathy:
“Deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Such acts of violence have no place in our society. May peace prevail.”
BCCI stands in solidarity with the victims
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an official statement through its Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia, strongly condemning the attack:
“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy.”
Former stars raise their voices in grief and defiance
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Praying for the victims and for the strength of their families. Let us stand united in hope and humanity. #PahalgamTerroristAttack”
Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Praying for the victims and for the strength of their families 🙏🏻 Let us stand united in hope and humanity. #PahalgamTerroristAttack
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 22, 2025
Virender Sehwag added his voice to the chorus of national mourning:“Deeply pained to hear of the reprehensible terrorist attack on innocent tourists in #Pahalgam. My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured.”
Deeply pained to hear of the reprehensible terrorist attack on innocent tourists in #Pahalgam .
My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured 🙏🏼— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 22, 2025
Former opener and MP Gautam Gambhir, known for his strong nationalistic voice, issued a resolute warning:“Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam”
Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 22, 2025
A silent IPL tribute
In a gesture of respect and remembrance, the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians featured no celebratory elements like fireworks or cheerleaders. Players donned black armbands and the crowd observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims.
