India should boycott playing Pakistan in 2019 Cricket World Cup, says Harbhajan Singh

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh doesn’t want the Men in Blue to play Pakistan in the upcoming ODI World Cup in the wake of the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama where at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed. Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) took the responsibility of the blast soon after the attack on the Indian jawans in India's Jammu and Kashmir state. 

“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."

Harbhajan also said that India doesn’t need to revive any sort of sporting ties with Pakistan as a mark of respect for the armed forces. India and Pakistan are scheduled to play each other on June 16 in Manchester during the World Cup.

“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,” the off-spinner mentioned.

“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."