Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for going ahead with the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025. His remarks come after the Phalagam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Many believed India would boycott matches against Pakistan in the wake of the tragedy.
However, the high-voltage clash is scheduled for 14 September in Dubai and could be repeated in the Super Four or final. Harbhajan, 45, expressed disappointment that cricket is being prioritised when Indian soldiers are losing their lives on the border. He said the sacrifice of soldiers far outweighs the importance of a cricket match.
“Nation Comes First”
In an interview with The Times of India, Harbhajan questioned why the BCCI cannot skip a match against Pakistan when soldiers are making the ultimate sacrifice. “They need to understand what is important and what is not,” he said. He stressed that the Indian government’s stance is clear — “Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte” (blood and water cannot flow together).
ALSO READ: Levon Aronian Takes Early Lead at Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2025
He argued that it is wrong to play cricket with Pakistan while tensions and cross-border terrorism persist. “The nation always comes first. Not playing a cricket match is nothing compared to the importance of the nation,” he added.
Past Boycotts Show It Can Be Done
Harbhajan pointed out that the India Champions team, including him, boycotted two matches in the 2025 World Championship of Legends under fan pressure, including the semi-final against Pakistan. He said the same principle should apply now.
Media’s Role in Escalating Tensions
The former cricketer also criticised the Indian media for giving excessive coverage to Pakistani politicians who attack India. “Why do we give them so much importance? When we have boycotted them, when we don’t want to talk to them, why show them here?” he asked.
Harbhajan urged the media to stop “adding fuel to the fire” by amplifying such voices.
ALSO READ: ‘Not Done Yet’ – Odell Beckham Jr. Breaks Silence After Shocking Retirement Rumor
Call for Sports Diplomacy With Boundaries
Harbhajan’s remarks highlight a larger debate — where should sports diplomacy draw the line when national security is at stake? His remarks bring back to life the age-old debate over whether cricket should stay out of politics when terrorist attacks have a direct impact on public sentiment.
Although cricket has frequently been referred to as a bridge between nations, Harbhajan feels that unless safety and confidence are restored, the bridge must stay closed.
