The Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, has sparked widespread condemnation across the globe, with countries like the US, Russia, and Indonesia denouncing the violence. Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir were among the first to react, calling the attack cowardly. Even some Pakistani cricketers, including Mohammad Hafeez and Basit Ali, expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.
Pakistani Cricketers Remain Silent
Some prominent Pakistani cricketers, however, have remained silent on the matter. Shoaib Akhtar, known for his active YouTube presence, has not spoken out against the attack. Inzamam-ul-Haq, who sparked controversy during the 2024 T20 World Cup by accusing the Indian team of ball tampering, has also not commented on the tragedy. Shahid Afridi, another influential cricketer, is often vocal about Pakistani politics but has chosen to stay quiet on this issue.
Babar Azam’s Silence
Babar Azam, once the face of Pakistani cricket, has struggled with form and leadership issues. His team faced several setbacks under his captaincy. Despite being one of Pakistan’s top players, he has not publicly reacted to the Pahalgam attack. His silence is notable, as a statement from him could have sent a positive message across Pakistan.
While some former Pakistani cricketers like Mohammad Hafeez, Basit Ali, and Danish Kaneria have expressed their grief over terrorist attacks, others remain silent. Danish Kaneria even criticized Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif over the issue. The lack of reaction from some of Pakistan’s most prominent cricketers has raised eyebrows, especially given the global outcry over the Pahalgam attack.