_Harbhajan Singh Slams BCCI for India vs Pakistan Clash
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for giving the green light to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. His remarks come amid rising calls for a complete boycott of Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The Asia Cup schedule surprised many as India and Pakistan could potentially face off three times, starting with their group-stage match in Dubai on September 14.
India and Pakistan might also meet in the Super 4s and the final, depending on results. Harbhajan Singh questioned the decision, emphasizing that cricket is secondary when national security is at stake.
“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 sometimes sacrifices his life and never returns home — their sacrifice is so immense for all of us. Compared to that, this is a very small thing, that we can’t skip playing one cricket match. It’s a very small matter,” Harbhajan told Times of India.
Nation Always Comes First’ – Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan reminded that India’s government has maintained a firm stance — “Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte” — meaning blood and water cannot flow together.
“It cannot be the case that there’s fighting on the border, tensions between the two nations, and we go to play cricket. Until these big issues are resolved, cricket is a very small matter. The nation always comes first,” he added.
The former off-spinner, with over 400 Test wickets, reiterated that no player, actor, or celebrity is bigger than the country.
“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. The country comes first, and the duties we owe to it must be fulfilled. Cricket match na khelna bahut maamuli si cheez hai desh ke saamne,” he said.
Urges Media Blackout on Pakistan Coverage
Harbhajan also appealed to the media to stop giving attention to Pakistan and its players.
“Are they that important that every news channel has to give weightage to them? When you have boycotted them, when you don’t want to talk to them, then why show them here? This is the duty of the media — to stop this,” Harbhajan said.
He further suggested that Indian players should refrain from shaking hands with Pakistani players and that their statements should not be highlighted in Indian media.
With the Asia Cup 2025 looming, Harbhajan Singh comments have sparked fresh debate over whether India should prioritize cricket or national sentiment in the current political climate.
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