Tensions between India and Pakistan remain high following the Pahalgam attack, in which Pakistan’s involvement was exposed. In response, the Indian Army targeted nine terrorist locations in Pakistan, taking care to avoid harming civilians. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military continued to engage in firing along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. Amidst this backdrop, a somber news emerged from Pakistan’s cricket scene: 22-year-old cricketer Aleem Khan collapsed and died during a match.
Aleem was participating in the PCB Challenge League when the incident occurred on May 5. While bowling, he suddenly fell to the ground during his run-up, prompting the umpire to call for medical assistance. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Aleem couldn’t be saved, with doctors attributing his death to cardiac arrest. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed deep sorrow, and the Director of Domestic Cricket, Abdullah Khurram Niazi, condoled with Aleem’s family.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Aleem was considered a rising talent, having performed well in domestic cricket. He was a valuable asset to his team, not only with his bowling but also with his ability to bat effectively in the lower order. His untimely death has shocked the cricketing community, and tributes have poured in for the young cricketer.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is currently underway, although its broadcast in India was halted following the terrorist attack. The Indian government has also blocked the social media accounts of Pakistani cricketers and PSL teams in the country. The ongoing tensions between the two nations have further strained their cricketing ties, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now pushing the International Cricket Council (ICC) to avoid grouping India and Pakistan together in future tournaments.
Tensions Spill Over into Cricket
The move by the BCCI is likely to reduce the chances of the two teams facing each other in ICC events. The bilateral series between India and Pakistan has been on hold for some time, and this latest development has further diminished the prospects of their teams competing against each other. As tensions continue to simmer between the two nations, their cricketing rivalry remains a casualty of the strained diplomatic relations.