Asia Cup 2025- India vs Pakistan match hits massive roadblock

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged Team India to boycott their match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9. Singh criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for deciding to play against Pakistan despite the tensions between the two nations.

There have been demands for India to boycott Pakistan in all sporting events since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Many expected India to withdraw from the Men’s Asia Cup or skip matches against Pakistan. However, India are set to take on Pakistan as per the Asia Cup 2025 schedule.

We Can Skip Playing One Cricket Match - Harbhajan Singh on Asia Cup 2025 clash

Speaking with the Times of India, Harbhajan Singh stated that soldiers make immense sacrifices on the border, adding that playing cricket is a minor issue compared to national security.

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“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 said.

Khoon Aur Paani Ek Saath Nahi Beh Sakte - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh recalled the government’s stance that “blood and water cannot flow together,” adding that India should avoid playing cricket against Pakistan while soldiers and civilians continue to be killed at the border.

"Our government has the same stance, 'Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte.' (blood and sweat cannot co-exist). 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," Harbhajan added.

India, the defending Asia Cup champions, will host the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE to prevent Pakistan from travelling across the border.

There is a possibility of the archrivals meeting up to three times. The first match will be in the group stage on September 14 in Dubai, and there is a possibility of them meeting again in the Super 4s and the final if both teams advance.

No One Is Bigger Than the Nation - Harbhajan Singh

The former cricketer stated that no player is bigger than the country. The possibility of players opting out individually remains uncertain if the BCCI and PCB proceed with the fixture.

“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 (Not playing a cricket match is nothing compared to the importance of the nation),” Singh said.

The World Championship of Legends fixture between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was cancelled following backlash on social media.

Before the organizers officially announced the decision, Indian players like Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan had already opted out, citing national interest.

Later, India Champions also withdrew from their semi-final against Pakistan, giving their rivals a walkover into the final, where Pakistan lost to South Africa.

Also read: Shubman Gill silences doubters, beats Ben Stokes to win ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for July 2025