Harbhajan Singh: “Nation First, Cricket Later

Following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, there has been growing public demand for India to completely boycott Pakistan across all fronts — including cricket. The sentiment gained traction during the World Championship of Legends (WCL), when the India Champions team refused to face the Pakistan Champions in both the group stage and the semifinals. The Indian side, featuring stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan, stood firm in their decision.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has taken over 700 international wickets, made his stance clear in an interview with Times of India, saying:

“As long as the tensions and disputes between the two countries remain unresolved, we should not play cricket. This is my opinion. Cricket is a very small thing compared to the nation.

He stressed that India’s refusal to play Pakistan was a small sacrifice in comparison to what Indian soldiers endure.

“For me, the soldier who stands on the border, whose family often doesn’t get to see him, and who sometimes sacrifices his life without returning home — their sacrifice is immense. Compared to that, skipping a cricket match is a very small thing.”

Harbhajan supported the government’s stance — “Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte” (“Blood and water cannot flow together”) — and argued that it is unacceptable to have tensions on the border and still play cricket with Pakistan.

“Until these big issues are resolved, cricket remains insignificant. The nation always comes first. Whatever we are — players, actors, or anyone else — it is because of this country. No one is bigger than the nation.”

He urged the media not to give unnecessary attention to Pakistan or its players:

“Why give them so much importance? If we have boycotted them, we shouldn’t be showing them on TV or highlighting their statements. They can say whatever they want in their own country, but we shouldn’t fuel the fire.”