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Harbhajan Singh urges improved India Pakistan relations before cricket matches, praises Indian team post Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and calls for support for flood hit Punjab.
Harbhajan Singh (Picture credit: X)
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh emphasised on Thursday that relations between India and Pakistan need to improve before the two nations face each other on the cricket field.
Traditional rivals India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash in Dubai for the first time since Operation Sindoor, which India initiated after 26 tourists were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year.
“India-Pakistan match always comes in the limelight, but after the Operation Sindoor everyone said there should be no cricket and no business,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying to the media by PTI.
“We were playing the (World Championship of) Legends, we did not play that match (against Pakistan),” he said.
Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government adopted a policy prohibiting bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, allowing only multilateral events.
What Harbhajan Said About India Vs Pakistan Cricket Match?
While Harbhajan personally does not support cricket and trade with Pakistan, he respects the Indian government’s stance on the matter.
“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 added.
Harbhajan praised the Indian cricket team for quickly adapting after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the shortest format.
“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 said.
“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 added.
Harbhajan also urged support for flood-affected 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 said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
September 11, 2025, 22:12 IST
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