Amid the Champions Trophy 2025 standoff between the BCCI and PCB, former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has sent out a strong message to Pakistan cricket, saying that it won’t matter much if they don’t come to India.

Notably, India have refused to travel across the border for the showpiece tournament citing security concerns while Pakistan have expressed reluctance to adopt a hybrid model.

Now, multiple reports are claiming that the PCB has agreed to adopt the hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy, given that ICC applies the same procedure for global events that are scheduled to be held in India until 2031.

“Don’t come to India if you don’t want to, we don’t have any issues. If Pakistan don’t come to India, it won’t matter much. You may ask current cricketers and they will have the same opinion. Had the situation in Pakistan been different, things could have been different,” Harbhajan told Sports Today in an interview.

Harbhajan also recalled the times when he toured Pakistan for bilateral series. “They were brilliant hosts when I went there. They did not charge us money for food whenever we went to the market, and some also gifted us shawls,” he added.

Harbhajan felt for the Pakistan fans who are deprived of watching star Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli and others.

“I feel bad for the viewers there that they don’t get to see champion players like Virat Kohli and others around the world. But they are not at fault. Until and unless the situation improves there, things won’t change,” he said.

Harbhajan also urged Pakistan cricket to leave aside their stubborn approach and let the Champions Trophy take place.

“Let the tournament happen, you can’t just halt it. You can’t hold on to your stubbornness. There are many countries who would love to host, be it Malaysia, Sri Lanka or any other nation. India won’t tour Pakistan until the situation improves there,” he remarked.

While the schedule for the Champions Trophy is yet to be unveiled, India will most probably play all their matches in the UAE.