Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh reckons that India and Pakistan should not play any bilateral series against each other until the relations between the neighbouring countries improve ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 clash between the Asian giants, which will take place at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
India and Pakistan will face each other on September 14 and this will be the first outing against each other for the first time since Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strikes on terror groups in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack in April. Captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha have both said that neither side will ease up when they will face each other
"India-Pakistan matches always come into the limelight, but after Operation Sindoor, everyone said there should be no cricket and no business," Harbhajan told the media during a Society magazine event as quoted by IndiaToday. He added, "We were playing the World Championship of Legends, but we did not play that match against Pakistan."
After the Pahalghan terror attack, the Government of India adopted a policy to suspend bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan while continuing to face them in multilateral events. Harbhajan, who earlier denied featuring against Pakistan in the World Champions of Legends (WCL), said that he does not support cricket or trade with Pakistan, though he respects the government's stance on the matter.
"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," he said. "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 Singh further lauded the Suryakumar Yadav-led side for their dominance following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement from the shortest format of the game.
"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," he said.
"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.
Harbhajan also urged people to support flood-affected areas in Punjab.
"Punjabi people have this spirit of standing up for anyone in trouble, not just their own people. Today, Punjab is facing a disaster; many people and farms have been affected. I would be nothing without Punjab. Your support is important, in any form," he said.