India vs Pakistan match blocked at the last minute in Asia Cup turbulence

Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh made a bold statement ahead of the match between India and Pakistan during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Harbhajan stated that India and Pakistan should not play any bilateral cricket ties until political and diplomatic relations improve between the two nations.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav are will take on Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14. Notably, it will be the first match between the two teams since Operation Sindoor. The military action was India’s response to the Pahalgam attack in April, which left 26 tourists dead.

Everyone Said There Should Be No Cricket Between India and Pakistan

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India decided to suspend all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, but will continue to face them in multinational tournaments. Harbhajan Singh stated that cricketing relations should remain suspended until political ties improve.

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"India-Pakistan matches always come into the limelight, but after Operation Sindoor, everyone said there should be no cricket and no business. We were playing the World Championship of Legends, but we did not play that match against Pakistan," Harbhajan told the media during a Society magazine event.

India Champions refused to face Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. They first boycotted in the group stage and again in the semi-final. Harbhajan was part of the Indian team in the tournament.

Cricket and Business Should Not Take Place - Harbhajan Singh

Singh said that he is against playing cricket or doing business with Pakistan until the two countries have better relations. He added that this is only his personal opinion, and if the government allows matches, then they should go ahead.

"Everyone has their own way of thinking and understanding, but I feel that until relations between the two countries improve, cricket and business should not take place either. But that is my thought. If the government says the match can happen, it should happen, but the relations between the two countries should be better," Harbhajan opined.

Playing in Dubai Is Almost Like Playing at Home - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh said that India are still a very strong team in T20 cricket even after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement. He also stated that playing in Dubai is like playing at home and that spinners will play an important role.

"If there is any team that can beat the Indian team, it is the Indian team itself - it is such a strong side. Our cricket is at a different level. Even if Virat and Rohit are gone, the team is completely ready," Singh stated.

"Playing in Dubai is almost like playing at home. The role of the spinners will be huge, and I hope the team brings the cup back," he added.

India started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in Dubai with a nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates. The Indian spinners shared six wickets between them.

Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Blue with 4 wickets for 7 in just over two overs, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket each. India chased down the 58-run target in just 4.3 overs.

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