Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh strongly advocated for India to boycott their Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan, citing national interest and the recent Pahalgam terror attack. In an interview with The Times of India, emphasizing the sentiment of "nation first," Harbhajan questioned the need to engage with Pakistan on the cricket field while tensions remain high at the borders.

He recalled the India Champions team’s decision to not face Pakistan in the recently concluded World Championship of Legends (WCL), underscoring solidarity with the armed forces. "Why should we give them so much importance when our soldiers are sacrificing their lives?" he asked.

Harbhajan invoked the popular line "Khoon aur paani ek saath nahi beh sakte" (blood and water cannot flow together), stressing that cricket becomes insignificant in the face of national security issues. He appealed to current players and governing bodies to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers, stating that skipping a cricket match is a small act compared to their bravery.

"No one is above the nation — not cricketers, not actors, no one," Harbhajan said, adding that respecting the sacrifices of soldiers should be a priority over sporting engagements.

Is BCCI above country?

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for continuing cricketing ties with Pakistan amid escalating tensions and threats from the neighbouring country.

Thackeray's remarks came in the backdrop of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir reportedly threatening nuclear retaliation against India, claiming Pakistan could take down India and "half the world" in the event of an existential threat.

His remarks also follow the decision that India will play against Pakistan in the Men's Asia Cup 2025. Men's Asia Cup 2025 will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, and the India-Pakistan match is scheduled for September 14.

All eyes are on the BCCI and the Indian cricket team regarding how they proceed, especially in the wake of growing discontent over their decision to continue pursuing cricketing ties with Pakistan, with the upcoming Asia Cup clash being the next major event.