While the IPL 2025 may be captivating millions across India, offering thrills and celebration, recent events have served as a sobering reminder that life extends far beyond the bounds of sport. On Tuesday, April 22, a horrific militant attack took place in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The incident, one of the deadliest civilian assaults in the region since the Pulwama tragedy of 2019, claimed the lives of at least 27 people and left more than 20 others injured. The victims included tourists from across India — from states like Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Among the d*ad were also two foreign nationals from Nepal and the UAE.
This tragedy unfolded amid ongoing tension following India’s 2019 decision to revoke the region’s semi-autonomous status. Despite a visible push to present Kashmir as a safe and thriving tourist destination, the incident has once again brought to light the deeply rooted instability that continues to plague the area.
In the aftermath, many Indian cricketers turned to social media to denounce the act and express solidarity with the victims and their families. Yet, beyond the public expressions of grief and outrage lies a deeper truth — that these moments are not about who speaks the loudest or garners the most attention online. The focus must remain on the human loss and the persistent challenges facing Kashmir.
Here are reactions from the Indian cricket fraternity over the heartbreaking incident:
Sachin Tendulkar took to X and wrote, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic attacks on innocent people in Pahalgam. The affected families must be going through an unimaginable ordeal – India and the world stand united with them at this dark hour, as we mourn the loss of lives and pray for justice.”
https://x.com/sachin_rt/status/1914927204062126157
Virender Sehwag tweeted, “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”
https://x.com/virendersehwag/status/1914745618381320241
The head coach of the Indian cricket team Gautam Gambhir also reacted with, “Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam”
https://x.com/GautamGambhir/status/1914693607728324628
Virat Kohli took to Instagram stories and shared, “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.”
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.”
https://x.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1914691851434778929
Jasprit Bumrah expressed his condolences by writing, “Disturbing news about the attack in Pahalgam. Praying for all the victims and their families.”
https://x.com/Jaspritbumrah93/status/1914936570454663228
KL Rahul tweeted, “Heartbreaking to hear about the terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength”
https://x.com/klrahul/status/1914757955255439411
Shubman Gill also paid tribute by writing, “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.”
https://x.com/ShubmanGill/status/1914719447673086455
Irfan Pathan’s tweet read, “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.”
https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/1914721287806611755
Aakash Chopra wrote, “Unimaginable atrocity in Pahalgam. Heart goes out to the victims and their families. Hope the perpetrators (and their sympathisers) are identified, caught and given the punishment they deserve.”
https://x.com/cricketaakash/status/1914690991623221506
This devastating attack serves as a poignant reminder of the complex, unresolved issues that continue to haunt the region. It calls for more than condolences — it demands enduring commitment to peace, understanding and justice in one of the most troubled corners of the country.
