Azharuddin calls for expanded cricket boycott amid rising tensions
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has called for India to escalate its cricketing boycott of Pakistan, suggesting the country should refuse to play Pakistan not only in bilateral series but also in all ICC and ACC tournaments.
“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.
Cricket and tragedy: Azharuddin’s emotional plea
Azharuddin’s comments come in the wake of recent terror attacks, which he described as “very, very sad,” stressing that sports cannot exist in isolation from larger societal issues.
“Cricket is a sport that unites, but it cannot be played in the shadow of such tragedies,” added Azharuddin.
The Hyderabadi legend emphasized that acts of terrorism demand a firm response and suggested that India’s cricketing policies should reflect the gravity of the situation.
Support for BCCI’s solidarity gesture
Azharuddin also backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decision to honor victims of terror attacks during the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
“It’s a good way of showing solidarity with the affected families,” he said, referring to the BCCI’s directive for players to wear black armbands as a tribute.
Azharuddin’s strong remarks add significant weight to the ongoing national debate over how cricket should respond to geopolitical tensions, particularly when tragedy strikes close to home.
