Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has stirred debate ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, calling for India to skip their scheduled group-stage clash against Pakistan. The high-voltage encounter is set for September 14 in Dubai.
Speaking to Indian media, Harbhajan argued that “sports cannot be isolated from larger issues” and claimed India should reconsider playing against Pakistan in the current climate. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two nations, adding a political dimension to one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.
The Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan remains one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures, drawing global attention regardless of the off-field controversies. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to respond to Harbhajan’s comments, and there is no official indication that the match will be canceled.
Fans and analysts remain divided — some echo Harbhajan’s stance, while others insist cricket should remain a bridge between the two nations.
ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
Group Stage
- 9 September: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
- 10 September: India vs UAE
- 11 September: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
- 12 September: Pakistan vs Oman
- 13 September: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
- 14 September: India vs Pakistan
- 15 September: UAE vs Oman
- 15 September: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
- 16 September: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
- 17 September: Pakistan vs UAE
- 18 September: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
- 19 September: India vs Oman
Super Four Stage
- 20 September: B1 vs B2
- 21 September: A1 vs A2
- 23 September: A2 vs B1
- 24 September: A1 vs B2
- 25 September: A2 vs B2
- 26 September: A1 vs B1
