Indo-Pak cricket shouldn't happen when relations between the countries aren't good: Harbhajan Singh

MUMBAI: A few days before the traditional arch-rivals rake each other on in a league match of the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai (on Sept 14), former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has reiterated his stance that India should avoid playing against Pakistan on the cricket field "till relations between the countries get better." This will be the first time that India and Pakistan clash in cricket since tensions rose after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which was followed by India conducting 'Operation Sindoor.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Citing the example of how his team of ‘Indian Legends’ twice conceded its match against Pakistan recently, Harbhajan has asserted that India should boycott playing against Pakistan for the time being.

"The India-Pakistan match always comes in the limelight, but after 'Operation Sindoor,' everyone said there should be no cricket and no business (with Pakistan). We were playing the (World Championship of) Legends, we did not play that match (against Pakistan, in England).

Everyone has their own way of thinking and understanding, but I feel till the time relations between the two countries do not improve, cricket and business should not be there, however, that is my thought.

But if the government says the match can happen, it should happen but the relations between the two countries should be better," Harbhajan, accompanied by his wife Geeta Basra, said at an event here on Thursday evening. Harbhajan felt that India were the overwhelming favourites to win the Asia Cup, and expected the spinners to play a huge role in the tournament. "If there is any team which can beat the Indian team, it is the Indian team itself, it is such a strong team.

Our cricket is at a different level, the way we have made our name… even if Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma) are gone, the team is completely ready. Playing in Dubai is like playing at home and home turf.

The role of the spinners will be huge and I hope the team brings the cup back," he said.Urging people to help Punjab, which has witnessed devastating floods in recent days due to excessive rain, Harbhajan, a Rajya Sabha MP who hails from Jalandhar, said, "I was there in Punjab recently, and I saw with my own eyes what disaster the floods have caused in Punjab.

The water level had one up to 12 feet. After the water recedes, the farmers of Punjab will need help in growing the crop again, as the soil has been left badly damaged due to the floods.

The Punjabi people have this spirit and trait of standing up for whoever is in trouble, not just their own people. Today, Punjab is facing this disaster, a lot of people have been affected, a lot of farms have been affected. I would have been nothing if not for Punjab. Your support is important, it can be of any kind. We need to help the farmers in Punjab. I urge all of you to pitch in with any kind of help possible for Punjab"