“Blood and sweat cannot flow together,” former spinner Harbhajan Singh said, expressing his anger at the Indian board for agreeing to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Harbhajan Singh fueled the controversy over India’s upcoming Asia Cup clash against Pakistan. Criticizing the board for consenting to play against a rival nation, the former spinner believes India should avoid any matches against Pakistan until political issues are resolved.
Bilateral series between these long-time rivals have been suspended for over a decade due to political tensions. The teams only meet in global or Asian tournaments. Recently, India skipped matches against Pakistan in the Legends tournament, avoiding both the group stage and the semi-finals.
Harbhajan, who was part of that legends squad, told The Times of India that the national team should follow the same path.
“They should understand what is important and what is not. It’s very simple. Our soldiers stand at the border day after day, often unable to meet their families, sometimes sacrificing their lives, never returning home. The value of their sacrifices is immense. Compared to that, cricket is very small. Can’t we skip a cricket match?”
Harbhajan emphasized that India’s approach toward Pakistan in politics should reflect in cricket as well.
“Our government’s stance is the same. Blood and sweat cannot flow together. Our soldiers are fighting at the border, tensions are high, and we are going to play cricket? That cannot happen. Until these issues are resolved, cricket is trivial. Country comes first.”
“No matter who we are—players, actors, or anything else—nothing is bigger than the country. We must fulfill our responsibilities to the nation. Playing a cricket match is insignificant compared to the country.”
He repeatedly reminded everyone of the sacrifices made by soldiers at the border and addressed the media directly.
“Our brothers at the border are protecting us and the country. Look at their courage, how selflessly they serve. They can’t even return home. Think about what their families go through. And here we are, playing cricket.”
“As I said, cricketers should not shake hands with Pakistani players. Similarly, the media should not show them or broadcast their reactions. They can say whatever they want from their country, but it is not our duty to highlight them.”
