Last Updated: September 12, 2025 04:11 PM
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has used strong words to dismiss all talk of a boycott ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, citing the government’s “Operation Sindoor” policy.
His remarks aim to bring closure to the controversy surrounding bilateral sporting and trade ties between the two nations.
What is “Operation Sindoor”?
Earlier this year, after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 Indian lives, India launched Operation Sindoor. The government’s response included suspending all bilateral sporting and business relations with Pakistan.
As a result, India and Pakistan now only face each other in multilateral or tournament-style competitions such as the Asia Cup.
Harbhajan Singh’s Bold Stand
Speaking to the media, Harbhajan made it clear that his personal belief remains firm: there should be “no cricket and no business with Pakistan” until diplomatic relations improve.
He said, “We have all seen what happened in Pahalgam. Until situations change and our government decides otherwise, there should be no cricket and no trade. Everyone has their own way of thinking, but I have always stood by this view.”
Interestingly, Harbhajan revealed that he even refused to play in a Legends match against Pakistan, highlighting how strongly he feels about this issue.
So Why Is the Asia Cup Match Still On?
This is where Operation Sindoor comes into play. After the Pahalgam attack, the government clarified its stance:
- No bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan.
- No trade ties at any level.
- But India and Pakistan may face each other in multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup or ICC World Cup.
Harbhajan explained that since the Asia Cup is a multilateral competition, the Indian team will play Pakistan as per rules.
By invoking Operation Sindoor, he made it clear that the Asia Cup clash is not a violation of India’s stand but simply part of an international tournament structure.
The announcement has brought a sigh of relief to many cricket fans who have been waiting eagerly for this encounter. The India-Pakistan rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a spectacle of emotions, passion, and cricketing brilliance.
At the same time, a section of fans still believes India should stay away from the match, arguing that cricketing ties indirectly soften the message against terrorism. Harbhajan’s statement, however, seems to have settled the debate at least for now.
Harbhajan’s remarks are important because they balance patriotism with pragmatism. On one hand, he stays true to his stand against bilateral cricket, but on the other, he respects the government’s clear-cut policy and supports India’s participation in the Asia Cup.
The former cricketer also expressed confidence in the current Indian squad. Even with stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from shorter formats, Harbhajan believes the team has enough depth and talent to dominate Pakistan on the field.
In Shorts:
By invoking Operation Sindoor, Harbhajan Singh has finally silenced all boycott talks surrounding the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match.
His message is straightforward — no bilateral cricket or trade until conditions improve, but participation in multilateral tournaments like the Asia Cup must continue.
With clarity restored, fans can now shift their focus back to what truly matters — the cricket.
As India and Pakistan gear up for their September 14 showdown in Dubai, expectations are sky-high, emotions are charged, and the cricketing world is ready for another unforgettable clash.
