Harbhajan Singh sets clear condition for India-Pakistan clash after boycotting legends match

Harbhajan Singh wants the conditions to improve between the two countries before any cricket is played. (Photo: X)

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh on Thursday stated that diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan need to improve before the two sides can face each other on the cricket field. The long-time rivals are scheduled to play in Dubai, marking their first encounter since Operation Sindoor, which India launched earlier this year following a terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

“India-Pakistan match always comes in the limelight, but after the Operation Sindoor everyone said there should be no cricket and no business,” Harbhajan said during a Society magazine event.

Also Read - India-Pakistan 'craze very dull', official blames 'Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma absence' behind ticket sales slump

He added that during the World Championship of Legends, their team had chosen not to play the scheduled game against Pakistan.

“In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government formulated a policy under which the country would not have any bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan but compete against their neighbours in multilateral events,” he noted.

Harbhajan clarified that, on a personal level, he does not support engaging in cricket or trade with Pakistan, though he respects the stance taken by the Government of India.

Also Read - Kapil Dev on high voltage IND-PAK clash at Asia Cup: 'Government will do its job, players should do theirs'

“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 as well. But then, 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,” he said.

He also lauded the India national cricket team for smoothly transitioning after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20 cricket.

“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,” he remarked.

He expressed confidence in the team’s chances in Dubai, saying:

“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.”

Harbhajan also urged people to help those impacted by the recent floods in Punjab.

“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,” he appealed.