Ramiz slates recent Indian drone attack near stadium

ISLAMABAD: In a fiery and impassioned address at the Rawalpindi Stadium Media Centre, former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja denounced the recent Indian drone attack near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, calling it a “cowardly act” that targeted the sanctity of sports.

“Pakistan has turned this hostile provocation into a moment of national pride,” Ramiz declared, while speaking at the Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) ceremony hosted by the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (Risja).

The event, held to honour the nation’s Armed Forces for their resilience in the face of aggression, took on a profound tone as Ramiz Raja praised Pakistan’s swift response and unyielding spirit.

“In just four days, Pakistan has emerged stronger than ever-confident, united, and unshaken. Every crisis offers a chance to become a hero, and Pakistan has done exactly that,” he said. “No honourable nation targets water or cricket. Even in war, such actions are off-limits. India has crossed that line.”

Addressing the state of cricket in Pakistan, Ramiz admitted there is significant work ahead. “Pakistan cricket has enormous potential, but we’ve yet to fulfill it. Every citizen is a stakeholder. Respect on the international stage comes only through strengthening our game,” he urged.

Speaking at the same ceremony, Pakistan Super League (PSL) CEO Salman Naseer revealed the extraordinary efforts made to resume the tournament after the attack. “Once the ceasefire was declared, our priority was to bring back the PSL -- not just as a tournament, but as a statement,” Salman said.

“We worked 22 hours a day to restart the league at the same venue that was targeted. Keeping foreign players in Dubai ensured their safety while sending a bold message: Cricket will not be silenced.”

He sharply criticized India for politicizing sports: “Pakistan has always drawn a clear line between politics and sports. India blurred that line. Resuming the PSL was our firm, unapologetic response to those who wish to sabotage peace through sport.” He added that completing the tournament locally became untenable amid rising tensions, prompting temporary postponement.

Senior sports journalists Abdul Mohi Shah and Shakeel Awan echoed national pride and unity, paying heartfelt tributes to Pakistan’s Armed Forces: “Our military gave a response the world will not forget. As sports journalists, we also carry the responsibility of amplifying Pakistan’s narrative -- and we’ve delivered a message India cannot ignore.”

The ceremony saw strong representation from the journalist fraternity, with prominent figures including Faheem Anwar Khan, Afzal Javed, Shahryar Khan, Nasir Naqvi, Zulfiqar Baig, and Shakir Abbasi in attendance.