Table of Contents
- Deadly terror attack shocks Pahalgam, Kashmir
- Virat Kohli: “Praying for peace and justice”
- KL Rahul: “Innocent lives lost in such a senseless act”
- Shubman Gill: “No place for violence in our country”
- Gautam Gambhir: “India will respond strongly”
- Yuvraj Singh: “Let us stand united with humanity”
- Virender Sehwag: “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved”
- Parthiv Patel: “The manner is painful and disturbing”
- Aakash Chopra: “Unimaginable brutality must be punished”
- Widespread condemnation across the cricketing fraternity
In a horrifying escalation of violence, terrorists unleashed indiscriminate gunfire on a group of tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday, April 22 and as per the media reports claimed the lives of more than 25 innocent civilians, most of them tourists visiting the region.
Deadly terror attack shocks Pahalgam, Kashmir
The brutality of the assault has sent shockwaves across the country and is being described as the deadliest act of terror in the valley since the Pulwama attack in 2019. The tragic event has left India grieving and demanding swift justice. The timing of the attack during a tourist visit has further intensified the shock, underscoring the vulnerability of civilians in conflict-prone areas.
This is the first such large-scale tragedy in Pahalgam in years, a town typically known for its serenity and tourist charm. With nationwide outrage brewing and calls for accountability growing stronger, the tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for security reassessment in the valley. As condolences pour in and prayers continue for the victims and their families, the nation remains united in grief, and in its resolve to stand against terror. Indian cricketing icons were also quick to voice their anguish over the barbaric assault.
Virat Kohli: “Praying for peace and justice”
India’s cricket legend and former captain, Virat Kohli, was among the first high-profile figures to respond to the carnage. Taking to Instagram, Kohli posted a deeply emotional story expressing his sorrow. His message quickly went viral, garnering millions of responses. Many have lauded Kohli for using his massive influence to draw attention to the tragedy and stand in solidarity with the grieving families.
“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,”

KL Rahul: “Innocent lives lost in such a senseless act”
“Heartbreaking to hear about the horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength,”
Heartbreaking to hear about the terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength. 🙏
— K L Rahul (@klrahul) April 22, 2025
KL Rahul joins a growing list of Indian cricketers who have condemned the Pahalgam attack, standing in solidarity with the victims and their families during this time of national mourning.
Shubman Gill: “No place for violence in our country”
Young Indian sensation Shubman Gill also condemned the attack in a heartfelt message. Gill’s words reflected the shared pain of an entire generation of Indians and emphasized the importance of unity in the face of terror. Expressing his grief, Gill said:
“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,”
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.
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025
Gautam Gambhir: “India will respond strongly”
Former India opener and current head coach Gautam Gambhir issued a powerful statement, underlining the nation’s resilience. Known for his strong nationalistic stance, Gambhir’s message echoed the country’s call for justice and a firm response against terrorism.
“Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will play. India will strike,”
Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 22, 2025
Yuvraj Singh: “Let us stand united with humanity”
Former World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh also spoke out, expressing profound grief over the tragic event. Yuvraj’s message urged national unity and compassion, resonating across communities and faiths.
“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,”>#PahalgamTerroristAttack
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. #PahalgamTerroristAttack
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 22, 2025
Virender Sehwag: “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved”
Iconic Indian opener Virender Sehwag added his voice, mourning the loss of innocent lives. Sehwag’s words, like many others, reinforced the shared grief and anger sweeping the country.
“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,”
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 🙏🏼— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 22, 2025
Parthiv Patel: “The manner is painful and disturbing”
Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel shared his deep sorrow and emotional turmoil over the incident. Parthiv’s message captured the raw emotion felt by citizens who continue to mourn the senseless loss of life.
“Shocked and angry to hear what happened in Kashmir today. While those responsible will be punished, and I’m sure they will, right now there’s a numb disbelief at the terrible acts and the manner in which it all happened. Praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in Pahalgam,”
Shocked and angry to hear what happened in Kashmir today. While those responsible will be punished, and I’m sure they will, right now there’s a numb disbelief at the terrible acts and the manner in which it all happened. Praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in…
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) April 22, 2025
Aakash Chopra: “Unimaginable brutality must be punished”
Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra labeled the attack as an act of “unimaginable brutality,”. Chopra’s statement called for not only justice but also a comprehensive crackdown on those enabling such violence.
“Unimaginable atrocity in Pahalgam. Heart goes out to the victims and their families. शान्ति। Hope the perpetrators (and their sympathisers) are identified, caught and given the punishment they deserve,”
Unimaginable atrocity in Pahalgam.
Heart goes out to the victims and their families. 🕉️ शान्ति।
Hope the perpetrators (and their sympathisers) are identified, caught and given the punishment they deserve.— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 22, 2025
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Widespread condemnation across the cricketing fraternity
Apart from cricketing greats like Kohli, Gambhir and Yuvraj, numerous other players have also strongly condemned the horrifying terrorist attack in Pahalgam. From rising stars like Nitish Kumar Reddy to former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly, the cricketing community has united in mourning the tragic loss of innocent lives. They have expressed deep sorrow for the victims, offered heartfelt condolences to grieving families, and demanded swift and ultimate justice for the brutality inflicted on unsuspecting tourists.
My thoughts and prayers with the families who lost their lives in pehelgaum .. severe action needs to be taken against the culprits ..by the Govt of india .. none to be spared ..
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) April 22, 2025
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.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 23, 2025
Deeply disturbed by what has transpired in Pahalgam. Heart goes out to all those affected and their families. Praying for strength in this dark hour. 🙏
— Nitish Kumar Reddy (@NKReddy07) April 23, 2025
Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic attack in Pahalgam. Innocent lives lost to senseless violence. Praying for strength and peace for the affected families. Let's stand together against hate. #Pahalgam
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) April 22, 2025
Extremely pained by the deadly attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam.
Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest and justice is brought soon🙏🏼
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 23, 2025
My heart goes out to family members of all those who lost their lives in dastardly attack. This can't be forgiven.#Pahalgam
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 22, 2025
Heartbreaking would be an understatement. So angered by the terror attack in Pahalgam. My heart goes out to all who lost their loved ones. May they rest in peace. When will this hate stop? #Pahalgam
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) April 23, 2025
Heartbroken by the tragedy in Pahalgam. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. Om Shanti 🙏
— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) April 22, 2025
Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. Kashmir deserves peace, not this. Praying for the safety of all those affected and may God protect every innocent soul.
— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) April 22, 2025
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.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 22, 2025
A ghastly, cowardly act that should unite the nation fully, bar none #pahalgamattack
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 23, 2025
I don't know what kind of villains mount terror attacks like these. I hope the world is watching and understands things a little better. Deepest condolences to the innocent victims.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 22, 2025
I see flags flying at half mast in Delhi today and rightly so.
Despicable what happened in Kashmir yesterday! 🤬
My thoughts with all those who lost their lives and their families and friends! 🙏🏽— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 23, 2025
Condolences to the families who lost their dear ones… Just can't take it! Terrible incident… #PehelgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/sxI22fV1P9
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) April 22, 2025
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