‘If Pakistan Don’t Come To India, It Won’t…’: Harbhajan Singh Issues Stern Warning To Pakistan | Cricketnext News
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With three months left for the ICC Champions Trophy to begin, there is still no official confirmation if a hybrid model will be introduced.
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh
Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh has delivered a strong message to Pakistan, asserting that the country’s absence from future ICC events in India would have little impact. His remarks come amidst a heated debate over India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) subsequent demand for hybrid models for all ICC events hosted in India until 2031.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports Today on YouTube, Harbhajan expressed his stance bluntly. “If Pakistan doesn’t want to come to India, so be it. It won’t make much of a difference to us,” he stated.
On the sidelines of the World Tennis League inauguration, Harbhajan elaborated further to PTI. “Ask any player—they’d be ready to play in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. We rarely see India-Pakistan matches these days anyway. Pakistan should set their ego aside and agree to the hybrid model. Security concerns for India have been an issue since 2022,” he explained.
Harbhajan also acknowledged the disappointment of cricket fans in Pakistan, who are missing out on the chance to watch global stars like Virat Kohli in action. “I feel bad for the fans there. They aren’t at fault, but until the political situation improves, things won’t change. It’s unfortunate they can’t witness champion players like Kohli and others live,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his own experiences touring Pakistan for bilateral series, Harbhajan spoke fondly of the hospitality he received. “They were fantastic hosts when I visited. They wouldn’t charge us for food at the markets and often gifted us shawls,” he recalled. Despite these positive memories, he maintained that it would be unrealistic for the Indian team to tour Pakistan under the current circumstances.
Harbhajan urged the PCB to adopt a more pragmatic approach and allow the Champions Trophy to proceed smoothly. “The PCB should drop their rigid stance. The tournament shouldn’t be marred by unnecessary conflict,” he said.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, with matches planned across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, with just three months to go, there is still no clarity on whether a hybrid model will be implemented. The official schedule for the tournament has yet to be announced.
December 03, 2024, 13:19 IST
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