Pulwama Terror Attack: Harbhajan Singh Gives His Take on India Versus Pakistan Match in ICC World Cup 2019

The 38-year old off-spinner also added that India should cut-off all relations with their neighbours, who are often accused as a state sponsoring terrorism.

Team India discard Harbhajan Singh has given his verdict on the highly anticipated encounter between India and arch-rivals Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019, to be played in England & Wales. Without beating around the bush, Harbhajan said the men in blue should say no for the league game against Pakistan in Manchester on June 16. His comments have come after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad laid the plot of Pulwama terror attack, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Harbhajan Singh said India are powerful enough to do well in the World Cup without having to play Pakistan. India will need to forfeit valuable points if they concede their fourth match of the tournament.

“India should not play Pakistan in the world Cup. India are powerful enough to win the World Cup without having to play Pakistan,” Harbhajan Singh told Aaj Tak. “This is a difficult time. The attack that has happened, it was unbelievable and it’s very wrong. Strict action will surely be taken by the government. When it comes to cricket, I don’t think we should have any relations with them otherwise they will keep treating us like this.”

The 38-year old offie also added that India should cut-off all relations with their neighbours, who are often accused as a state sponsoring terrorism. He added that the whole country should stand by the families of martyred soldiers in this tough time.

“I don’t think we need to have any relations with Pakistan or play any cricket with them,” he said. “I don’t think India should play the World Cup match against Pakistan. Country comes first and we are all standing behind our country. Cricket or hockey or sports, it should be kept aside because this is a huge thing and repeatedly our soldiers are killed. We should stand with our country. Cricket or hockey or any sport, we don’t need to play with them.”

On possibilities of IND vs PAK semifinal or final at ICC WC’19?

India and Pakistan could meet in the semi-finals or finals of the World Cup and Harbhajan has said that the people concerned should take a call as there is enough time to make a decision.

“We are too small to discuss what needs to be done – there are big people sitting in power who can take a call,” he added. “What happens if we have to play Pakistan in the semi-final or final? There’s plenty of time for June-July. The people in power will need what to do. But nobody can harm India. What happened in Pulwama is tragic. We are safe today only because of our defence forces,” Harbhajan said.

“We should not keep any kind of ties with Pakistan: we are powerful enough to feed the world on our own. Cricket, sports is not as important. We stand with every member of the defence force. Their sacrifices should no go to waste,” Harbhajan added.