‘Khoon Aur Paani Saath Nahi Beh Sakta’: Harbhajan Singh Urges Boycott Of Pakistan Matches In Asia Cup 2025

Asia Cup 2025: Simply weeks after two India vs Pakistan matches within the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 had been deserted on account of Indian gamers’ refusal to play in opposition to Pakistan, Harbhajan Singh has as soon as once more reiterated his sturdy stance on boycotting cricket between the 2 nations.

The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan and different former stars had refused to take the sector in opposition to Pakistan within the WCL, sparking a heated debate on social media. Quickly after, the Asia Cup 2025 schedule was launched, with India and Pakistan positioned in the identical group establishing a conflict on September 14 in Dubai.

‘Nation Comes First’: Harbhajan’s Clear Message

Chatting with The Occasions of India, the previous India off-spinner stated that whereas Indian troopers are risking their lives on the border, a cricket match with Pakistan is not sensible.

“They should perceive what’s vital and what’s not. For me, the soldier who stands on the border, whose household usually doesn’t get to see him, who typically sacrifices his life and by no means returns residence their sacrifice is immense for all of us. In comparison with that, not taking part in one cricket match is a really small matter,” Harbhajan stated.

He cited the federal government’s long-held stance “Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte” to emphasize that cricket shouldn’t be performed whereas tensions persist on the border.

No One Greater Than the Nation

Harbhajan emphasised that cricket or leisure is insignificant in comparison with nationwide safety. “No matter our identification is, it’s due to this nation. Whether or not you’re a participant, an actor, or anybody else, nobody is larger than the nation. Not taking part in a cricket match is nothing in comparison with the significance of the nation,” he stated.

He added that the braveness and sacrifices of Indian troopers ought to function a reminder of the place priorities ought to lie.

Name for a Wider Boycott

The 43-year-old additionally urged the Indian media to keep away from giving airtime to Pakistan’s statements or reactions.

“Cricketers shouldn’t be shaking palms with the Pakistan gamers, and the media shouldn’t be displaying them or their reactions on tv both. They’ll say no matter they need of their nation, however we shouldn’t be highlighting them,” Harbhajan said.

Excessive-Voltage Asia Cup Conflict Looms

Regardless of Harbhajan’s stance, the BCCI has confirmed that the group-stage match between India and Pakistan will go forward as scheduled on September 14 in Dubai. With each cricketing and political tensions operating excessive, the fixture is predicted to attract world consideration and maybe extra debate.