Cricket

India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, has become a subject of intense speculation. Recent reports suggest that the Indian government may not grant clearance for the team to travel to Pakistan, raising doubts about India's presence at the tournament.This issue stems from the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. In 2023, India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, with their matches being played in Sri Lanka instead. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the Champions Trophy.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official statement on the matter. However, BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla has denied rumors that India will not travel to Pakistan, stating that the board has not yet discussed the issue.Amidst the uncertainty, a video of former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh expressing his views on the matter has resurfaced. In an interview with Pakistani TV channel ARY News, Singh asserted that India would not send its team to Pakistan if the players' safety could not be guaranteed. He also emphasized that Indian cricket could survive without Pakistan's participation.On the other hand, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has maintained that India should honor Pakistan's hosting rights and travel to the country for the Champions Trophy. He pointed out that India's kabaddi and tennis teams have recently played tournaments in Pakistan, indicating that the Indian government cannot selectively choose which sports to participate in.The ICC is expected to address the issue at its upcoming general meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine India's participation in the Champions Trophy.

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked a debate by excluding current stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from his list of the top three batters in the world. Instead, he opted for legendary figures Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Brian Lara.Harbhajan's choice has raised eyebrows, given Kohli and Sharma's dominance in modern cricket. However, the veteran spinner explained his reasoning, stating that he values consistency, longevity, and impact over a player's current form."Sachin is the greatest of all time," Harbhajan said. "Kallis was a complete all-rounder, and Lara was a match-winner."Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa echoed Harbhajan's sentiments, selecting Sir Vivian Richards, Tendulkar, and Lara as his top three.Meanwhile, former Australia captain Aaron Finch also included Tendulkar and Lara, with Ricky Ponting completing his trio.However, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina included both Kohli and Sharma in his top three, along with England's Joe Root.Harbhajan's exclusion of Kohli and Sharma has sparked a lively discussion among cricket fans. Some argue that the current Indian stars deserve to be recognized for their exceptional performances, while others maintain that the legendary players selected by Harbhajan have proven their greatness over a longer period.The debate highlights the subjective nature of ranking players and the different criteria that can be used to assess their contributions to the game. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide who they believe are the greatest batters of all time.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concerns over the safety of Indian players in Pakistan, casting doubt on India's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in the country.During an appearance on a Pakistani TV show, Harbhajan stated, "If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we won't send the team. If you want to play, play; if not, then don't. Indian cricket can still survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, do it."Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9 next year, marking the first major cricket event in the country since the 1996 World Cup. However, India's participation has been thrown into question due to security concerns.Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly indicated that it would request the ICC to adopt a hybrid model for the tournament, with matches potentially being played in Dubai or Sri Lanka.Pakistan has reportedly designated Lahore as the venue for all of India's matches for logistical convenience. However, Harbhajan's comments suggest that the safety of Indian players remains a paramount concern.India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and the two nations have only faced each other in multi-team events since then. The last time India played a match in Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup.The Champions Trophy is an eight-nation tournament that will feature some of the world's top cricket teams. Pakistan emerged as champions in the 2017 edition, defeating India in the final at The Oval in London.The ICC is expected to make a decision on the venue and format of the 2025 Champions Trophy in the coming months.

Former cricket legends Harbhajan Singh and Kamran Akmal recently engaged in a candid conversation during the World Championship of Legends match in England. The encounter sparked speculation that the topic of Akmal's controversial "Sikh joke" about Indian cricketer Arshdeep Singh was discussed.Akmal has since confirmed that the joke was indeed a topic of conversation. However, he revealed that another issue was also raised: Harbhajan's mocking laughter during a comparison between Pakistan's Babar Azam and West Indies legend Brian Lara.Akmal expressed his disapproval of Harbhajan's behavior, emphasizing that it was inappropriate to mock another cricketer. Harbhajan acknowledged his mistake and apologized for his actions.Akmal's initial "Sikh joke" had drawn sharp criticism from Harbhajan, who took to social media to condemn the racist remark. Akmal later issued an apology, acknowledging his error.During their conversation, Akmal also highlighted the importance of respecting all religions and avoiding negative comments about others' beliefs. He emphasized that he had no intention of offending anyone and that his joke was a mistake.The encounter between Harbhajan and Akmal serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect in the cricketing world. It also underscores the need for sensitivity and understanding when discussing issues related to religion and culture.

Kamran Akmal's controversial remarks about Sikhs during a TV show in Pakistan during the T20 World Cup sparked widespread outrage, including from former India offspinner Harbhajan Singh. The two former on-field rivals recently came face to face at the 'World Championship of Legends' (WCL) tournament in Birmingham, where they engaged in a heated discussion.Akmal's comments, made during Pakistan's T20 World Cup match against India, drew sharp criticism from Harbhajan, who accused him of disrespecting the Sikh community. Akmal later apologized for his words, expressing regret and stating that he had the utmost respect for Sikhs.At the WCL match on Saturday, Pakistan defeated India by 68 runs. Akmal top-scored for Pakistan with a 40-ball 77, while Harbhajan was not part of the Indian team. Despite the controversy, the two former players were seen in deep discussion after the match, with Harbhajan appearing animated and trying to convey a point to Akmal.The subject of their conversation remains unclear, but it is likely that they discussed the controversy surrounding Akmal's comments. The incident highlights the importance of respecting different religions and cultures, especially in the context of sports.Akmal's apology and the subsequent meeting with Harbhajan suggest that he understands the gravity of his words and is committed to fostering unity and respect. The incident serves as a reminder that sports should be a platform for bringing people together, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.

Harbhajan Singh's Hilarious Reaction to Babar Azam vs. Brian Lara ComparisonFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked laughter on social media with his reaction to a question comparing Pakistan batter Babar Azam to West Indies legend Brian Lara. In a video clip from Star Sports' Caught & Bold show, Harbhajan was asked to choose between Lara and Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara. He promptly picked Lara.However, when asked to compare Lara to Babar, Harbhajan erupted into laughter, along with other panelists. The clip has gone viral, with fans sharing it widely.Babar Azam's Pakistan team recently suffered a disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, losing to debutants USA and India. After the tournament, Babar admitted that the team had made mistakes in batting and failed to execute their plans."We made few mistakes in the matches against the USA and India. When you lose wickets, the pressure is on you," Babar said.He also acknowledged that the team had not played as a unit. "We didn't play as a team. This is not because of an individual as we lost as a team. It's not just the captain. I cannot play for every player as there are 11 players," Babar added.Harbhajan's laughter at the comparison between Babar and Lara highlights the vast gap in their respective achievements. Lara is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, with a Test average of over 52 and a record 400 not out in a single innings. Babar, while a talented player, is still relatively young and has yet to establish himself as a legend of the game.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has faced a barrage of hate posts on social media, prompting him to engage in a heated exchange with trolls. The criticism stemmed from his commentary during the T20 World Cup 2024 and his political career as a Rajya Sabha MP.Harbhajan's commentary at the IPL drew criticism from a troll, to which he responded, "Yes plz leave .. u are listening to me waha and yaha so please leave." He also shared a tweet expressing gratitude for not facing similar criticism elsewhere.The trolls also questioned Harbhajan's attendance and contributions as a Rajya Sabha MP. In response, he stated, "Bhai mera sara salary goes for educating kids who can't afford it not a single penny goes for my own use. and I am also a tax payer like you.. itna gusaa nahi karte.. and if u do wanna get some education let me know I will take care of ur study too.. u need to learn TAMEEZ."Harbhajan's involvement as a pundit at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies has also been a target of criticism. However, he has remained unfazed, continuing to provide his insights and analysis.The incident highlights the growing trend of online harassment faced by public figures, particularly on social media platforms. It also raises questions about the responsibility of social media companies in combating hate speech and cyberbullying.

Afghanistan's Spin Prowess Poses Threat to India in T20 World Cup Super 8sAs the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 enters its crucial Super 8s stage, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has issued a stern warning to Rohit Sharma-led Team India about the formidable challenge posed by Afghanistan.Afghanistan has defied expectations, securing a spot in the Super 8s by defeating Uganda, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea in succession. Despite a heavy 104-run loss to West Indies, the Rashid Khan-led side remains confident as they prepare to face India, Australia, and Bangladesh in the next phase of the tournament.Harbhajan Singh, speaking to Star Sports, lauded Afghanistan's spin attack, describing it as "the best in this tournament" and highlighting the potential threat it poses to India. "They (Afghanistan) are a very good team. From the graph we've seen, they've risen significantly in a short period of time. They have Rashid Khan and Nabi. Their spinners are probably the best in this tournament. Their batting is strong; they don't just play fluke shots or get out playing reckless shots. They now have experience after playing in the ODI World Cup. They almost defeated Australia," Harbhajan remarked.Harbhajan emphasized that Afghanistan should not be underestimated, particularly in crucial moments. "This team has strength and can defeat any big team. And when they play against India, they shouldn't be underestimated because if they win the toss and a few things go in their favour, (toh lene ke dene pad sakte hain) it could be challenging," he added, underscoring Afghanistan's potential to cause upsets.India, led by Rohit Sharma, are set to face Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados, followed by matches against Bangladesh on June 22 in Antigua and Australia on June 24 in St. Lucia.Afghanistan's rise in international cricket has been remarkable. They have consistently punched above their weight, challenging established teams and proving their mettle on the global stage. Their spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, is a formidable force, capable of bamboozling even the most experienced batsmen.India, on the other hand, will be keen to prove their dominance in the Super 8s. They have a well-balanced team with a potent batting lineup and a solid bowling attack. However, they cannot afford to take Afghanistan lightly, especially considering their recent performances.The clash between India and Afghanistan on June 20 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Afghanistan will be determined to prove their worth against one of the tournament favorites, while India will be eager to maintain their winning momentum. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the Super 8s standings and the eventual outcome of the tournament.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has defended Virat Kohli's poor start to the 2024 T20 World Cup, attributing it to the challenging batting conditions at New York's Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Kohli has managed only five runs in the tournament so far, raising concerns about his form.Harbhajan emphasized that it would be unfair to judge Kohli's performance on a pitch that was not conducive to batting. "I do not want to judge anyone on that pitch as batting was difficult on that pitch," he said. "Virat Kohli didn't score runs because the conditions were like that. You cannot judge a player in those conditions."Instead, Harbhajan highlighted the need for consistency from the Indian batting unit, particularly in the opening overs. "Runs are obviously expected from Virat Kohli," he said. "We also need to consistently see partnerships that we aren't getting in the first six overs. Then your middle order is set. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube have scored runs."Yadav and Dube played crucial roles in India's victory against the USA, guiding the team to a win after a shaky start. Kohli will have an opportunity to improve his form in the Super 8 stage, as India moves to Lauderhill, Florida.Despite Kohli's struggles, India has secured a spot in the Super 8, winning all three of their New York games. They are guaranteed to face Australia and Afghanistan in the next round, with Bangladesh likely to be the fourth team in the group.