Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the ongoing debate around the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, saying that the two nations should focus on rebuilding diplomatic ties before taking to the cricket field again.
Speaking at a Society magazine event on Thursday, Harbhajan addressed the upcoming India-Pakistan match set to take place in Dubai. This high-voltage clash will mark their first face-off since Operation Sindoor – a military response launched by India earlier this year following a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
“India versus Pakistan always draws massive attention, but after Operation Sindoor, there was a strong public sentiment that there should be no cricket, no business between the two countries,” Harbhajan told the media.
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The former cricketer, known for his fiery spirit on the field during many iconic Indo-Pak encounters, stressed that cricket should not be played in isolation from the broader context of bilateral relations. “Before we talk about cricket, we need to talk about peace. Let things settle down first,” he added.
Harbhajan’s comments reflect a growing chorus of voices urging caution and diplomacy, even as fans and broadcasters gear up for another chapter in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
India vs Pakistan, September 14
All eyes now shift to the blockbuster showdown on September 14, when India face Pakistan in what promises to be the most-watched match of the tournament.
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