Harbhajan Singh Calls for India to Boycott Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025: ‘Khoon Aur Paani Ek Saath Nahi Beh Sakte’
In a powerful statement that has sparked nationwide debate, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has called for India to boycott Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in the UAE from September 9. Citing the sacrifices of soldiers on the border and ongoing tensions between the two nations, Harbhajan stressed that the “nation comes first” and cricket should take a backseat when bigger issues remain unresolved.
The Asia Cup will see India placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and hosts United Arab Emirates. Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. India are the defending champions, having crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the 2023 final to win their record eighth title. Harbhajan Singh
‘Nation First’ Over Cricket Rivalries
Speaking to TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview, Harbhajan Singh did not mince his words:
“Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte. Hum unko itni importance kyun dete hain?”
(Blood and water cannot flow together. Why do we give them so much importance?)
Harbhajan linked his stance to the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, particularly in the wake of the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack. He believes it is a small gesture to skip playing one cricket match when compared to the ultimate price soldiers pay for the nation’s safety. Harbhajan Singh
“For me, the soldier who stands on the border, whose family often doesn’t get to see him, who sometimes sacrifices his life and never returns home — their sacrifice is immense. Compared to that, not playing a cricket match is nothing,” Harbhajan said. Harbhajan Singh
Past Example: WCL Boycott
Harbhajan’s call is consistent with his actions during the recently concluded World Championship of Legends (WCL). The India Champions side — featuring stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan — refused to play Pakistan Champions in both the group stage and the semi-final. The decision was taken as a mark of respect to the soldiers who had lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack.
This refusal, Harbhajan said, was a conscious choice to put the nation’s dignity above the sport.
Government’s Stance Mirrors the Sentiment
Harbhajan highlighted that his views align with the Indian government’s position:
“Our government has the same stance, ‘Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte.’ It cannot be that there’s fighting on the border, tensions between the two nations, and we go to play cricket. Until these big issues are resolved, cricket is a very small matter.”
Media’s Role Under Scrutiny
Beyond the players, Harbhajan also urged Indian media to stop giving Pakistan undue attention.
“When you have boycotted them, when you don’t want to talk to them, then why show them here? This is the duty of the media to stop this. They shouldn’t be adding fuel to the fire.”
He suggested that media outlets refrain from covering Pakistan players’ statements or reactions, arguing that it only adds unnecessary hype and importance to them. Harbhajan Singh
‘No Handshakes, No Coverage’ Approach
The former spinner went a step further, recommending that Indian players avoid even shaking hands with Pakistan players in official matches. Harbhajan Singh
“As I said, cricketers shouldn’t be shaking hands with Pakistan players, but the media shouldn’t be showing them and their reactions on television either. They are sitting in their country and can say whatever they want, but we shouldn’t be highlighting them.”
Cricket vs. National Duty
For Harbhajan Singh, there is no confusion about priorities:
“Whatever our identity is, it’s because of this country. Whether you are a player, an actor, or anyone else — no one is bigger than the nation. Cricket match na khelna bahut maamuli si cheez hai desh ke saamne.”
(Not playing a cricket match is nothing compared to the importance of the nation.)
He spoke emotionally about the courage of soldiers on the border and the hardship their families face.
“Humare sarhad pe bhai khade hue hain, jo hume protect kar rahe hain, humare desh ko protect kar rahe hain. Aur unke parivaar par kya beetati hai jab wo ghar wapas nahi aate. Aur hum cricket khelne chale jaate hain? Think about their courage, think about their sacrifice.”
Possible Impact on Asia Cup 2025
If India were to boycott matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, it would significantly alter the tournament’s structure. The Asia Cup has historically relied heavily on the India–Pakistan clash to draw massive crowds and viewership, both in stadiums and on television. Harbhajan Singh
However, Harbhajan believes that national interest must outweigh commercial or entertainment considerations.
Public Reaction
His statement has already triggered strong reactions on social media. Many fans supported the stance, using hashtags like #NationFirst, #BoycottPakistanMatch, and #HarbhajanSingh. Others argued that sports should be kept separate from politics, pointing out that cricket can sometimes serve as a bridge between rival nations.
Looking Ahead
India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is set to be announced next week. Whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take Harbhajan Singh’s advice remains to be seen. Historically, the BCCI has followed the government’s lead on India–Pakistan cricket relations. Harbhajan Singh
For now, Harbhajan Singh’s message is clear: the nation comes first, cricket comes later.
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