Venkatesh Prasad Slams Pakistan as ‘Rogue State’, Backs Indian Forces Amid Rising Tensions
In a fiery outburst on social media, former Indian cricketer and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad has branded Pakistan a ‘rogue state‘ while expressing unwavering support for the Indian armed forces. This comes in the wake of Pakistan’s failed aerial attacks on Jammu and military stations along the western border, which were adeptly countered by India’s advanced air defence systems on Thursday.
Prasad took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent his frustration, stating, ‘What a complete rogue state Pakistan is. India will screw them like never before.‘ His comments reflect the growing anger among Indian sports personalities as geopolitical tensions spill into the cricketing arena.
Joining Prasad in his criticism, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag also condemned Pakistan’s actions, accusing them of choosing war over peace. ‘War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet. They have escalated to save their terrorist assets, which speaks volumes about their intentions,‘ Sehwag posted on X. He added, ‘Our forces will reply in a manner Pakistan will never forget.‘
The attempted strikes, involving drones and missiles, caused widespread alarm, triggering blackouts and air raid sirens across parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors and stay vigilant as emergency protocols were activated. Reports suggest these attacks are a retaliation for Operation Sindoor, a covert mission by Indian forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. This operation was launched following intelligence linking the brutal attack on tourists in Pahalgam, where 26 lives—including 25 Indians and one Nepali—were tragically lost in April this year.
The escalating tensions have already impacted cricket, with the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) facing disruptions. A match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly called off midway due to air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of players and spectators, with discussions underway about whether the remainder of the IPL 2023 season should be suspended or relocated to a safer venue. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to release an official statement soon.
As tensions continue to mount, the voices of cricketing legends like Prasad and Sehwag echo the sentiments of a nation on edge. While the battlefield remains far from the cricket pitch, the impact of these events is felt deeply in the sporting world, uniting players and fans in solidarity with the Indian forces. The question remains—will cricket, often seen as a unifying force, be able to weather this storm of conflict?