New Delhi:
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has reiterated his strong opposition to cricketing ties with Pakistan, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 clash between the two nations. His comments come weeks after two India–Pakistan fixtures in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 were abandoned when Indian players refused to take the field against Pakistan.
The Asia Cup schedule, released earlier this month, has placed India and Pakistan in the same group, setting up a high-profile encounter on September 14 in Dubai. Speaking to The Times of India, Harbhajan questioned the relevance of playing cricket when tensions remain high at the border.
“They need to understand what is important and what is not. For me, the soldier who stands on the border, whose family often doesn’t get to see him, who sometimes sacrifices his life and never returns home their sacrifice is immense for all of us. Compared to that, not playing one cricket match is a very small matter,” Harbhajan said.
“Blood, Sweat Can’t Co-Exist” : Harbhajan Singh demands India Boycott Pakistan In Asia Cup 2025
“They need to understand what is important and what is not. This is as simple as that. For me, the soldier who stands on the border, whose family often doesn’t get to see him, who… pic.twitter.com/1TeD1G1jBN
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) August 13, 2025
Invoking a National Stand
Citing the long-held government stance, “Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte” (blood and water cannot flow together), Harbhajan stressed that cricket should not be played while hostilities persist.
“Whatever our identity is, it’s because of this country. Whether you are a player, an actor, or anyone else, no one is bigger than the nation. Not playing a cricket match is nothing compared to the importance of the nation,” he added, highlighting that sports and entertainment pale in comparison to national security.
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Extending the Boycott Beyond the Field
The 43-year-old further urged the Indian media to refrain from giving airtime to Pakistan’s statements or on-field reactions.
“Cricketers shouldn’t be shaking hands with the Pakistan players, and the media shouldn’t be showing them or their reactions on television either. They can say whatever they want in their country, but we shouldn’t be highlighting them,” Harbhajan stated.
BCCI Maintains Schedule
Despite Harbhajan’s call for a boycott, the BCCI has confirmed that the India–Pakistan group-stage match will go ahead as planned on September 14 in Dubai. The fixture is expected to be one of the most-watched events of the tournament, with both cricketing and political tensions set to fuel global interest and debate.
