Harbhajan Singh Uses Operation Sindoor to End India-Pakistan Asia Cup Boycott Talks

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has reignited discussions about the upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, scheduled for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, by emphasizing the need for improved diplomatic relations before resuming cricketing ties. His comments come in the wake of India’s military response, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives earlier this year. The statement has sparked widespread debate, with hashtags like #IndiaVsPakistan and #OperationSindoor trending on X, as fans and analysts weigh the implications of the high-stakes clash. Harbhajan’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment about balancing national pride with sporting engagements, amid calls to boycott the match due to heightened tensions.

Harbhajan Singh’s Stance on India-Pakistan Cricket

Harbhajan Singh, a veteran off-spinner and former Indian cricket star, has been vocal about his reservations regarding India-Pakistan cricketing ties in light of recent geopolitical tensions. Speaking at a media event, he highlighted the significance of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed 26 Indian tourists and prompted India to launch “Operation Sindoor,” a decisive military operation targeting terrorist bases across the border. Harbhajan argued that the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and the ongoing tensions make cricketing engagements with Pakistan inappropriate until diplomatic relations improve. “India-Pakistan matches always come into the limelight, but after Operation Sindoor, everyone said there should be no cricket and no business,” he stated, emphasizing the emotional weight of the issue.

Despite his personal stance, Harbhajan acknowledged the Indian government’s authority in deciding whether such matches should proceed. “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,” he said. “But then, that is my thought. If the government says the match can happen, it should happen.” His balanced perspective reflects the complexity of the issue, as India maintains a policy of suspending bilateral sporting and trade relations with Pakistan while allowing encounters in multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup. The upcoming match, part of Group A fixtures, could see the two teams face off up to three times if they advance to the Super Four stage and the final.

Operation Sindoor and Its Impact

The Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, marked a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions. India’s retaliatory operation, codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, culminating in a ceasefire agreement on May 10, 2025. The operation was widely seen as a bold assertion of India’s stance against cross-border terrorism, but it also intensified public and political calls to sever all ties with Pakistan, including in sports. The Indian government’s policy, reiterated post-attack, prohibits bilateral sporting engagements but permits participation in multilateral events, a compromise that has allowed the Asia Cup 2025 schedule to proceed.

Harbhajan’s reference to Operation Sindoor underscores the emotional and political sensitivity surrounding the India-Pakistan match. The attack’s aftermath saw significant public outcry, with many questioning the appropriateness of sporting ties with a nation linked to terrorism. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with posts under hashtags like #OperationSindoor and #IndiaVsPakistan, reflecting polarized opinions. Some users support Harbhajan’s call for prioritizing national dignity, while others argue that sports should remain apolitical, citing instances of camaraderie between Indian and Pakistani players in past tournaments.

Supreme Court’s Response to Boycott Plea

The debate over the India-Pakistan match reached the judiciary when a petition, led by law student Urvashi Jain and three others, was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to cancel the Asia Cup encounter. The plea argued that holding the match days after Operation Sindoor would undermine national dignity and disrespect the sacrifices of Indian security forces. It emphasized that “the dignity of the nation and the security of citizens come before entertainment,” highlighting the emotional toll on victims’ families. However, on September 11, 2025, the Supreme Court declined to urgently list the plea, with Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi stating, “What is the urgency? It’s a match, let it be. The match should go on.” This ruling has effectively quelled legal efforts to halt the game, aligning with the government’s stance on multilateral tournaments.

The Supreme Court’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. While some view it as a pragmatic acknowledgment of the match’s inevitability within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) framework, others see it as a missed opportunity to address public sentiment. The ACC, aware of the commercial and cultural significance of India-Pakistan clashes, finalized the Asia Cup 2025 schedule on July 24 in Dhaka, with India and Pakistan placed in Group A alongside other teams. The decision to proceed with the match reflects the delicate balance between geopolitical tensions and the global appeal of cricket, particularly in the subcontinent.

Harbhajan’s Role in the World Championship of Legends

Harbhajan’s stance is informed by his recent experience in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in July 2025, where the India Champions team, including players like Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, and Irfan Pathan, refused to play Pakistan Champions in both the group stage and semi-finals. The boycott, driven by public sentiment following the Pahalgam attack, saw India withdraw from the matches, resulting in Pakistan receiving a walkover to the final, where they lost to South Africa. Harbhajan referenced this precedent, noting, “We did not play that match,” to underscore his belief that cricket should take a backseat to national priorities. The WCL boycott, supported by other Indian cricketers like Suresh Raina, amplified calls for suspending cricketing ties with Pakistan in the Asia Cup.

The WCL incident highlighted the influence of public and social media pressure, with X posts from users like @MumbaichaDon and @Incognito_qfs criticizing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allowing the Asia Cup match to proceed. These sentiments echo Harbhajan’s view that cricket cannot be divorced from the broader context of India-Pakistan relations, particularly in the aftermath of a tragedy like Pahalgam. However, the BCCI has clarified its position, stating it adheres to the Indian government’s policy of participating in multinational events while avoiding bilateral series with Pakistan.

Public and Political Reactions

The upcoming India-Pakistan match has polarized opinions across India. While cricket fans eagerly anticipate the high-voltage encounter, others, including political figures and former cricketers, have voiced opposition. Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary, now a politician, questioned the BCCI’s decision, citing ongoing tensions and the government’s stance on Operation Sindoor. “Our Prime Minister is saying that Operation Sindoor is still going on. How can we play a match with Pakistan?” he remarked, reflecting a sentiment shared by many on X. Posts with hashtags like #BoycottIndvsPak have gained traction, with users arguing that the match sends a conflicting message about India’s resolve against terrorism.

Conversely, some argue that cricket can serve as a bridge for dialogue, citing past instances of player camaraderie, such as Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi gifting a present to Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The Asia Cup, hosted in the neutral venue of Dubai, is seen as a platform to maintain sporting rivalry without compromising diplomatic principles. The BCCI’s vice-president, Rajeev Shukla, defended the decision to participate, stating, “So far as the BCCI’s view is concerned, we have to follow whatever the central government formalizes.” This stance aligns with India’s participation in previous multinational tournaments, ensuring the match proceeds despite domestic opposition.

The Broader Context of India-Pakistan Cricket

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012, largely due to strained relations following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Encounters are now limited to ICC and ACC events, such as the Asia Cup and World Cup, hosted in neutral venues like the UAE. The 2025 Asia Cup, starting September 9, features eight teams, with India and Pakistan in Group A alongside Bangladesh and Hong Kong. The high-stakes clash on September 14 is expected to draw millions of viewers, with ticket prices starting at 1400 AED reflecting the commercial appeal. The possibility of additional matches in the Super Four and final stages adds to the anticipation, but also amplifies the controversy surrounding the fixture.

Harbhajan’s call for prioritizing diplomacy over cricket resonates with a section of the Indian public, particularly in light of Operation Sindoor’s symbolic weight. The operation, launched on May 7, 2025, was hailed as a success, with India targeting terror infrastructure before agreeing to a ceasefire. The emotional resonance of the Pahalgam attack, coupled with the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, has fueled demands for a stronger stance against Pakistan, including in sports. However, the ACC’s decision to schedule the match, backed by the BCCI and the Indian government, underscores the complexities of balancing national sentiment with international commitments.