Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh reacted to the ongoing debate on Asia Cup 2023, where the BCCI has remained firm on their stance of not traveling to Pakistan, who are the hosts of the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also stressed that they would boycott the 2023 World Cup to be held in India if the Men in Blue do not travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup.
Well, the matter reportedly forced the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to hold an emergency board meeting, where the BCCI made it clear that India would not visit the country for the 2023 Asia Cup.
Reacting to the same, Harbhajan said that India should not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 because of safety reasons and that there is no harm in playing the event at a neutral venue.
Harbhajan Singh said, “I don't think India will travel to Pakistan because it's not safe to go there. We see a lot of things happening there every second or so. Why would we want to travel to that country where you know their Prime Minister is not safe? Some people go on to fire on him. There are a lot of things happening. I don't think it's safe, and Team India should not travel there. This is what I believe, and yes, you want to play India against Pakistan at a neutral venue. There is no harm.”
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He added, “India shouldn't travel to Pakistan as it isn't safe there and why are we taking risk of travelling when their own people aren't safe in their country? Our government is taking the correct decision not to go to Pakistan for any series as our first priority is the safety of our players.”
Speaking on Team India’s WTC 2023 Final chances against Australia, the former spinner said: “Every time the Indian Team steps on the pitch we all have high hopes for their victory. Even this time we want them to be victorious. We hope that the result would be different this time and India ends up with a victory. Virat Kohli scored a century he is in a good form I believe that we have a goofed chance. If India scores 400 runs then they have the bowlers to take wickets and win the game.”
Harbhajan also said that India will miss the services of Jasprit Bumrah at the WTC 2023 final which will be played at The Oval from June 7, 2023.
He explained, “The team will feel the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. But we have Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur a bowler who has performed well in the Test format. Even Deepak Chahar could perform well in England. India needs to find the third bowler, Umesh Yadav is also there.”
The former spinner said, “So we have good bowlers. Our spinners have played a lot of cricket Jadeja and Ashwin have played there but I think only one will play there. We don't have Bumrah but I think Shami will step up on occasion.”
(With ANI/Times Now Inputs)
