Harbhajan Singh dares Pakistan to stand by boycott call against India: 'Let's see if you have the guts'

Harbhajan Singh warned of potential consequences from the ICC, suggesting that Pakistan’s stand could invite strict action.

Updated on: Feb 2, 2026, 14:38:13 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh came down heavily on Pakistan for opting out of the India match at the T20 World Cup, calling the move an unnecessary attempt to stir controversy and mislead the public. The remarks come after the Pakistan government confirmed that the national team will take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup but will boycott the group-stage fixture against arch-rivals India. The T20-team tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on Saturday. Due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, including any appearances in the knockout rounds. The India-Pakistan Group A clash, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, is usually regarded as one of the marquee fixtures of any ICC tournament, drawing massive interest from fans, broadcasters and organisers.

Harbhajan Singh challenges Pakistan, calls boycott ‘manufactured drama’. (PTI)

Harbhajan didn’t hold back while reacting to Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India clash at the T20 World Cup, questioning the intent behind the move and accusing the authorities of using it as a tool to create optics rather than address the sentiments of their own fans.

"What benefit are you going to get from this? This is just to show arrogance. If you really think that you can do something like this, then be adamant. Let's see if you really have the guts. This is a total drama created to mislead people into thinking that they are standing with Bangladesh. There's no problem with that, but what have you thought about the people of your country who want the India-Pakistan match to happen?" Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

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“Wait for the ICC to do justice”: Harbhajan Singh

Continuing his sharp attack on Pakistan’s stance, Harbhajan questioned the inconsistency in their approach, citing past instances in which cricket went ahead despite tense situations, and accused them of conveniently shifting narratives to suit their interests.

"This match was supposed to be played at a neutral venue, and there was no dispute with you. When there was a war recently, you played the Asia Cup despite that. There was the drama about the trophy, but the matches did happen because you were not ready to leave that revenue. If you are such a patriot, where was your patriotism there? So, you didn't have any feelings for your country, but you now want to stand with some other country," he added.

The veteran spinner also warned of potential consequences from the ICC, suggesting that Pakistan’s stand could invite strict action and have long-term repercussions on their future as hosts of major tournaments.

"Just wait for the ICC to do justice. There is a possibility that you will face sanctions, fines, and maybe you won't get to host an ICC tournament ever again," he remarked

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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