Harbhajan Singh uses ‘Operation Sindoor’ to put a full stop to all boycott talks on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match

By Admin

12 Sep, 2025

The build-up to the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash has been as intense off the field as it promises to be on it. With emotions running high after India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ a decisive military response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives debates over whether the match should even take place have dominated headlines. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has now weighed in, making his stance clear on the matter.

Harbhajan Singh Calls for Improved Relations

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated game in Dubai, Harbhajan Singh emphasized that sporting ties cannot be separated from the political reality between the two countries. He reiterated that India and Pakistan should not engage in cricket or business until diplomatic relations improve.

“India-Pakistan match always comes in the limelight,” Harbhajan said. “But after Operation Sindoor, everyone said there should be no cricket and no business. Till relations improve, there should not be any ties.”

The veteran spinner also recalled how an India-Pakistan match did not take place in the World Championship of Legends earlier this year, aligning with his stance on boycotting bilateral sporting ties under strained conditions.

Operation Sindoor and Its Impact

The terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year was a turning point. The government’s firm response with Operation Sindoor, followed by a clear policy of suspending bilateral sporting and trade relations with Pakistan, underscored India’s uncompromising stand. Since then, the two countries only meet in multinational tournaments such as the Asia Cup or ICC events, making every clash even more charged.

Harbhajan’s Balanced Approach

While opposing ties under current conditions, Harbhajan also stated he would respect the Indian government’s final call. “Everyone has their own way of thinking, but if the government says the match can happen, it should happen,” he noted. This balanced approach reflects both his patriotism and his respect for official policy.

Supreme Court Declines Plea Against the Match

Meanwhile, controversy reached the legal corridors. On Thursday, the Supreme Court declined to urgently list a petition filed by law students seeking cancellation of the Asia Cup match. The plea argued that playing Pakistan so soon after Operation Sindoor dishonours the sacrifices of Indian security forces and victims of the terror attack.

The bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi dismissed the urgency, remarking, “It’s a match, let it be. The match should go on.”

The Big Clash on September 14

With both the public debate and legal challenges settled, all eyes now turn to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14, when India and Pakistan will lock horns in their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage encounter. The game promises high-voltage cricket, but also carries the weight of complex emotions and geopolitics.

For now, Harbhajan Singh’s words serve as a reminder: cricket between India and Pakistan is never just a game it’s a reflection of the state of relations between two nations bound by rivalry, history, and shared passion for the sport.