The upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9th, includes a highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on September 14th. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced his strong opinions on the match, even appealing to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Singh believes that the nation’s interests supersede the game of cricket.
Speaking to The Times of India, Harbhajan Singh emphasized the sacrifices made by soldiers on the border and their families. He stated that the price of foregoing a cricket match is small compared to the sacrifices made by the country’s defense forces. He referenced the government’s stance that ‘blood and water cannot flow together,’ implying that cricket matches should not occur amid ongoing tensions and conflict between the two nations.
Singh further added that until major issues are resolved, cricket is a trivial matter. He stressed that the country comes first for players, actors, and everyone else, and that fulfilling one’s duty to the nation is paramount. He highlighted the courage of the soldiers protecting the nation and the impact of their sacrifices on their families. The decision by the India Champions team in the World Championship of Legends 2025 to refuse to play against the Pakistan Champions following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, further reinforced Singh’s viewpoint.
The India Champions team had declined to play against Pakistan in the league stage and the semi-finals of the tournament. Singh’s comments reflect his support for prioritizing national interests, and his sentiments are shared by other prominent figures concerning the Asia Cup 2025.