India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in a high-profile Group A fixture at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. While Pakistan has confirmed its participation in the tournament, reports indicate that the team may refuse to take the field against India, following directives from the government.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan dismissed the boycott threat as “drama” and questioned the reasoning behind selectively participating in the tournament. He also appealed to authorities to consider fans on both sides, stressing that millions eagerly await India-Pakistan encounters.
“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. But what about the people of your country who want the India-Pakistan match to happen?” Harbhajan said.
He pointed out that Pakistan had played against India during the Asia Cup 2025, despite heightened tensions, questioning the inconsistency of threatening a boycott now. India were originally set to host the tournament, which was later moved to the UAE, yet Pakistan did not hesitate to play those matches.
Harbhajan also warned that refusing to play India could have serious long-term consequences for Pakistan cricket, including jeopardising their chances of hosting future ICC events.
“This match was supposed to be 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 drama about the trophy, but the matches did happen because you weren’t ready to leave that revenue. If you are such a patriot, where was your patriotism then? So, you didn’t have any feelings for your country, but now you want to stand with some other country,” he added.
Harbhajan concluded by urging the ICC to take action, noting that Pakistan could face sanctions, fines, or even restrictions on hosting future tournaments if they follow through with a boycott.
