Pulwama Terror Attack: Pictures of Pakistani cricketers removed from Mohali Stadium

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) on Sunday removed the photographs of Pakistani cricketers from various points inside the Mohali stadium as a "humble step" to show solidarity with the families of martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack. The decision was taken at a meeting of the cricket body's office bearers here, PCA treasurer Ajay Tyagi told PTI.

"As a humble step, the PCA has decided to show its solidarity with the families of martyrs of the Pulwama attack. There is so much anger in the nation against the heinous attack and PCA is no different in this," Tyagi said.

He said there are nearly 15 photos of Pakistani cricketers, which were kept inside the stadium at various points including in the galleries, long room, reception and 'hall of fame' area. The Shahid Afridi-led Pakistani side had faced a 29-run defeat at India's hands in the 2011 World Cup cricket semi-finals which was played here in March.

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Tyagi said among the Pakistani cricketers whose photographs have been removed from the PCA include that of present Prime Minister Imran Khan. Besides, other pictures are of cricketers including Afridi, Javed Miandad, and Wasim Akram.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into a bus in Pulwama district.

Meanwhile, India will be playing against Pakistan in the World Cup league game on June 16. This remains to be seen how cricketers react to this situation, having said that the likes of Virendra Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and other top cricketers have already expressed their views. 

(With Inputs: PTI)

HIGHLIGHTS

• PCA removes Pakistani cricketers pictures from Mohali Stadium.
• Earlier, Cricket Club of India (CCI) removed Imran Khan's portrait from their gallery. 
• India will be playing against Pakistan in World Cup game on June 16.