Former Indian cricket star Harbhajan Singh has stirred debate by calling for India to skip their Asia Cup matches against Pakistan, citing ongoing border tensions and the need to prioritize national sentiment over sport. Speaking with unmistakable conviction, Harbhajan stated that the sacrifices of Indian soldiers should take precedence over cricketing rivalries, saying, “Blood and water cannot flow together.”
Harbhajan stressed that when soldiers risk—and often lose—their lives at the nation’s borders, the symbolic act of refusing to play Pakistan is a small yet meaningful gesture. He drew parallels to recent decisions in veteran tournaments, where Indian teams chose not to face Pakistani sides, framing such actions as a matter of principle rather than politics.
Beyond the call to boycott, Harbhajan criticized Indian media for giving prominent airtime to Pakistani players and commentators, arguing that such coverage undermines national unity. In his view, glorifying Pakistani voices in the context of heightened tensions distracts from the bigger picture and sends the wrong message to the public.
His remarks come amid a long history of strained cricketing ties between the two nations. Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, bilateral series have been all but suspended, with the rare encounter taking place only in multi-nation tournaments or at neutral venues. For Harbhajan, even these exceptions are questionable when the political climate remains tense.
Supporters of his stance point to the symbolic power of a boycott in reinforcing national priorities, while critics argue that sport can serve as a bridge between divided nations. The issue, as always, sits at the intersection of sport, diplomacy, and public emotion—territory where cricket in the subcontinent has never been just a game.
Whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acts on Harbhajan’s call remains to be seen. But his statement has reignited the long-standing debate over whether cricket should be insulated from geopolitical disputes or reflect them. For Harbhajan, the choice is clear: when national security and respect for the armed forces are at stake, cricket must take a back seat.