The Pulwama attack that happened on February 14, 2019, claimed the lives of 40 CRPF men. Following the attack, many cricket associations including Karnataka, CCI, PCA removed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s portraits from the stadium as a mark of protest. However, Cricket Association of Bengal President Sourav Ganguly has been staunchly against removing Imran Khan’s portrait from the Eden Gardens Stadium. The BJP workers even went on to protest against Ganguly's decision but he remained firm and has reportedly said that Khan’s portrait will not be removed from the clubhouse of the Eden Gardens. We Will Take a Call on Removing Portrait of Imran Khan from CAB Office Soon: Ganguly.

Jaish-E-Mohammed, the terrorist outfit which has camps in Pakistan claimed the responsivity for the attack in Pulwama. Post this, the relationship between India and Pakistan worsened. However, Ganguly during an interview with a news channel had earlier asked the BCCI to boycott Pakistan. “Whatever happened in Pulwama last week was really sad...it is the worst possible thing that could ever happen. And, whatever reactions came from the people of India...was right. There is no chance of a bilateral series with Pakistan after this incident.” Ganguly had said. He had also stated that India should avoid playing against Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup. Post this, Pakistan’s Javed Miandad had taken a jibe at the former Indian captain for his statement. Javed Miandad vs Sourav Ganguly: Former Pakistan Captain Takes a Dig At Dada for Asking India to Boycott ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Tie.

Post his stance, Ganguly has been labelled as anti-national. However, his decision was hailed by many Pakistani fans on social media. The former Indian captain in his book A Century Is Not Enough had even mentioned about how Imran Khan encouraged him to fight for getting his place back into the Indian team.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 07, 2019 10:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).