Ambati Rayudu's tweet calling for peace during the India-Pakistan conflict sparked backlash on social media. Netizens criticized his stance, while Rayudu later clarified his intention was not to disrespect the Indian Armed Forces.
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu faced backlash on social media over his tweet on X (formerly Twitter) amid the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor by Indian Armed Forces.
On Thursday night, Pakistan launched a missile attack on India, targeting places like Poonch, Jaisalmer, Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia. However, the Indian defence forces thwarted countermeasures, intercepting most of the incoming missiles from Pakistan ensuring minimal damage and no casualties. Explosions were heard in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jalandhar. The blackouts have been forced in Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar, Jalandhar as a precautionary measure amid fears of escalating tensions between two countries.
Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Ambati Rayudu put out a tweet on his X handle, warning against the cycle of revenge and retaliation.
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“An eye for an eye makes the world blind.” former India cricketer wrote on X.
Ambati Rayudu’s tweet did not go down well with the netizens, many labelling him ‘traitor’ for undermining the efforts and bravery of Indian Armed Forces amid the heightened tensions across the border. Others urged the Star Sports to remove him from the commentary panel for the ongoing IPL 2025.
Here’s how netizens reacted to Ambati Rayudu’s tweet
Ambati Rayudu issues clarification
After being slammed for his tweet, Ambati Rayudu put out another tweet, issuing clarification, stating that his original post was a message of peace and not intended to disrespect the Indian Armed Forces.
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind Let’s remember — this isn’t a call for weakness, but a reminder of wisdom.” The former India batter wrote.
“Justice must stand firm, but never lose sight of humanity. We can love our nation fiercely and still hold compassion in our hearts. Patriotism and peace can walk hand in hand.” he added.
India Armed forces hit back at Pakistan
Meanwhile, Indian defence forces have reportedly captured two Pakistan fighter pilots in Jaisalmer and Akhnoor. Three Pakistani fighter jets have been shot down so far. One of them was brought down near Lathi in the Pokhran area of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer sector. Another aircraft, an AWACS (a radar-equipped surveillance plane), was shot down inside Pakistan's Punjab province.
In retaliation to Pakistan’s missile attack, Indian Armed Forces countered-attack by targeting Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. It was reported that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was moved out of his official residence after a huge blast was heard near his residence. Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was reportedly detained by Pakistan authorities amid strike against India and Sahir Shamshad Mirza has taken over as interim military commander, intensifying political uncertainty within Pakistan as the conflict with India escalates.
India Defence Ministry statement on Pakistan’s retaliation
“On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks.
"Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.
“Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt.
“Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military.”
