Cricket or Conflict? Social Media Turns into a Battlefield Between India and Pakistan

While tensions escalate between India and Pakistan in the wake of the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, nationalistic emotional outbursts and rhetoric have now conquered social media, with former cricketers from both nations taking to the space.

Terrorists attacked a tour group on April 22 in Baisaran Valley in the vicinity of Pahalgam and killed at least 26 individuals. The attack is being seen as the most lethal attack in India after the 2019 Pulwama bombing, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The consequence of the attack has seen six days of unprovoked cross-LoC firing in a row, further escalating the already tense relationship between the two countries.

India Strikes Back with Diplomatic and Strategic Responses

In response to the Pahalgam massacre, India has adopted a series of non-military measures against Pakistan. They range from the suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani citizens, and sealing the Attari land transit point between the two nations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, called an emergency security meeting and accorded the Army “complete operational freedom” to decide on a suitable response.

While rising political and military tensions make India-Pakistan issues a perpetual subject of tension, cricket has repeatedly become the central flashpoint in recent times. Indian cricket lovers on social media have demanded a total boycott by the BCCI of cricket relations with Pakistan. But there’s no word currently that the BCCI will reconsider anything, at least for the time being, since India-Pakistan encounters only in ICC matches, the next of which is several months from now.

Afridi, Dhawan in Social Media War Over Army Comments

The most high-profile confrontation took place between former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi and former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan. Afridi, on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, questioned the Indian Army’s capability to safeguard its citizens.

“Even if a cracker bursts in India, they blame it on Pakistan. You have an 8 lakh-strong army in Kashmir, yet this happened. This means you are useless, not being able to provide security to people,” Afridi asserted.

Dhawan quickly retorted on X, firmly standing with the Indian Army and reminding Afridi of the Kargil War defeat of Pakistan.

“We defeated you even in Kargil. You have already stooped so low – how much lower will you go? Instead of making pointless comments, it would be better if you used your mind for your country’s progress, @SAfridiOfficial. We are extremely proud of our Indian Army. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!” Dhawan posted.

Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge, bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!https://t.co/5PVA34CNSe

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 28, 2025

Afridi followed up with the exchange by taunting Dhawan with a reference to the 2019 Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s capture.

“Chouro jeet haar ko , aao tumhey chae pilata hun Shikhar (Forget about winning and losing, come I’ll serve you tea, Shikhar),” Afridi tweeted, with a photo of himself wearing a camouflage t-shirt.

Chouro jeet haar ko , aao tumhey chae pilata hun Shikhar . #FantasticTea https://t.co/ilEOepsVm0 pic.twitter.com/T45O8o2XUR

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 29, 2025

Other Cricketers from Pakistan Join the Online Clash

Ex-Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan poured fuel into the fire with a provocative tweet hinting at a hybrid war model.

“Padosioo, cricket ki tarah yeh bhi hybrid model hoga? (Neighbours, will this happen also in hybrid model like cricket?) ? #FantasticTea #PakistanZindabad,” he tweeted.

Padosioo, cricket ki tarah yeh bhi hybrid model hoga? ?#FantasticTea#PakistanZindabad

— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) April 29, 2025

Another ex-wicketkeeper, Moin Khan, issued an ultimatum in a viral video, threatening India with dire punishment if it took any action against Pakistan.

“I want to send a loud and clear message to all those forces spreading false propaganda against Pakistan in India. Pakistan never attacks the unarmed. India has always blamed Pakistan for its false flag operations. When it comes to national integrity, the nation of Pakistan always stands with its army,” said Khan.

“And under the leadership of General Asim Munir, we are all one and are in a position to give a strong response. So it’s a request to you all to not indulge in stupidity because we in Pakistan tend to become united when it comes to matters such as these. So it’s better to avoid things that could lead to the loss of lives.”

Danish Kaneria Criticises Afridi and Stand of Pakistan

Most Indian players have avoided the controversy, but former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria went on record against Afridi and his nation. Kaneria, who is known for his earlier accusations of religious discrimination in the Pakistani cricket establishment, had no problems coming out clearly.

“He has consistently aligned himself with extremist views. In my opinion, he should not be given a platform on Indian television or within the country. Additionally, he tried to persuade me to convert to Islam and declined to share a meal with me, which I found deeply disrespectful,” Kaneria wrote.

He has consistently aligned himself with extremist views. In my opinion, he should not be given a platform on Indian television or within the country. Additionally, he tried to persuade me to convert to Islam and declined to share a meal with me, which I found deeply… https://t.co/gArYTNX1x4

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) April 28, 2025

He also denounced the Pahalgam attack as state terrorism.

“When the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan calls terrorists “freedom fighters,” it’s not just a disgrace — it’s an open admission of state-sponsored terrorism.”

When the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan calls terrorists “freedom fighters,” it’s not just a disgrace — it’s an open admission of state-sponsored terrorism. pic.twitter.com/QlS1UDzq20

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) April 24, 2025

Speculations of Military Action Mount

Fueling the tension further, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar tweeted a warning that India may take military action in the next 24 to 36 hours. He commented immediately after PM Modi met with senior defence officials.

As diplomatic, military, and social discourses rose on both sides, the cricket pitch has become an unlikely but potent platform for displaying national pride and political grievances.