Harbhajan Singh Archives

Former spinner urges India to play Usman Tariq cautiously

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has praised Pakistan mystery bowler Usman Tariq, saying that the off-spinner could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The high-octane clash between India and Pakistan will be played on Sunday, February 15, at the RPS Stadium, Colombo.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Harbhajan backed India to win but admitted that Tariq could pose a serious threat to the Indian batters.

“India will win the match. Pakistan has a spinner, he is a good spinner, we have to play him safe…,” he said.

“The Indian team is capable; it’s a very good team. We hope they play the way they have always played, play without any pressure and wave the flag of victory,” Harbhajan remarked.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

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Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

The spinner has also caught eyebrows due to his unorthodox bowling action, which has troubled most of the batters he has bowled to.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: USA rout Netherlands to secure first win of T20 World Cup 2026

Harbhajan picks Afghanistan among T20 World Cup semi-finalists

DUBAI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has included Afghanistan among the four teams to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking during a press conference in Dubai ahead of the launch of the Legends 90s Season Four , Harbhajan tipped defending champions India as the favourites to lift the title.

“I think India has a very good chance to win the World Cup because they are a very strong team and they are playing at home,” he remarked.

“They know the conditions better than anybody else. But the World Cup pressure is something which they need to handle better than the others, which is the most important thin,” he added.

He also picked Australia and South Africa as teams to keep an eye on, highlighting their recent performances.

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“I think Australia have always been a very good team and top contenders to win any cup. South Africa are the other contenders for the title with their current form. They have been playing some outstanding cricket of late.

Harbhajan cited Afghanistan spinners and deemed the side that could challenge any opposition.

“Afghanistan are also very strong with their spinners. I think they can beat anyone in these conditions. So these are my four picks for the semis,” said Harbhajan.

For those unaware, the 10th edition of the mega event will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the tournament slated to run from February 7 to March 8 next year.

The event will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 opener will be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands, with hosts and the reigning champions India taking on the USA later in the day in Mumbai.

READ: A packed 2026 awaits Pakistan cricket

Abu Dhabi T10: Harbhajan Singh, Shahnawaz Dahani exchange handshakes

ABU DHABI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh exchanged a handshake with Pakistan fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani after the Abu Dhabi T10 League fixture between Northern Warriors and Aspin Stallions here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The moment came after Dahani defended eight runs in the final over, helping his side to clinch a narrow four-run victory over the Stallions.

Shahnawaz Dahani bowled an outstanding over as Stallions were 107/4 and required only eight in pursuit of 115. However, the right-arm pacer delivered the ball and picked up two wickets, and gave away only three runs.

At the end of the game, both teams shook hands, including Stallions skipper Harbhajan Singh.

This comes amid strained India-Pakistan relations after the Pahalgam attack in May this year. Following the tensions, India’s men’s and women’s squads avoided customary handshakes with Pakistani players.

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Notably, Harbhajan was also part of the India Legends squad that boycotted the match twice against Pakistan during the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

The Asia Cup 2025 was also marred by several incidents from start to the final match. The drama unraveled when India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy directly from Naqvi and did not attend the closing ceremony.

The trophy still sits with the ACC, awaiting an official handover should India agree to receive it at a separate event.

Notably, India’s refusal to engage in handshakes with Pakistani teams, a pattern that began during the senior Asia Cup, has now become a recurring feature across formats.

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 saw the same behaviour, and the latest chapter came on Sunday in Doha, when India A captain Jitesh Sharma and Pakistan Shaheens skipper Irfan Niazi skipped the customary handshake at the toss.

READ: PCB finalises two cities for new PSL teams

Harbhajan Singh faces backlash over alleged racist comment on Jofra Archer

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has landed in controversy after allegedly making a racially insensitive remark about England pacer Jofra Archer during an IPL 2025 match.

The incident occurred on March 23 during a match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals, where Harbhajan, commentating on Star Sports’ Hindi broadcast, made an analogy that did not sit well with fans.

While discussing Archer’s pace, Harbhajan Singh reportedly said: “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai.”

(“In London, the meter of a black taxi runs fast, and here, Mr. Archer’s meter has also run fast.”)

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The comment immediately sparked backlash on social media, with fans accusing Harbhajan of making a racially charged comparison.

Many have demanded an apology from the former cricketer, while others are urging the BCCI, Star Sports, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to take action.

Some fans have even called for Harbhajan to be removed from the IPL commentary panel for the remainder of the season.

Notably, this is not the first time Harbhajan has been caught in controversy over racially insensitive remarks, but he has yet to comment on the current backlash.

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Former Indian cricketer raises doubt over Babar Azam’s status as top Pakistani batter

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has raised doubts over Pakistan star batter Babar Azam and his status as the country’s best batter heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar, who has been Pakistan’s mainstay at the number three position, was promoted to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.

However, his performance in this new role has been disappointing, as he returned with scores of 10, 23, and 29, sparking discussions about the decision to move him to the opening spot.

Harbhajan Singh, in a video on his YouTube channel, criticised Pakistan’s batting line-up, highlighting their recent forms. He took a dig at Babar while mentioning his below-par average against India.

“Their star batter is Babar Azam. His average against India is 31. If you are a top batter, I believe you should have an average close to 50, which he doesn’t have,” he stated.

The former Indian spinner lavished praise on Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, noting his remarkable positivity and free-spirited style of play.

However, he pointed out Rizwan’s struggle against India, revealing that his average dips to 25 in encounters with the arch-rivals.

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“Then, there is Rizwan. I like him as a player. He is a man with a positive attitude and plays freely. But his average against India is 25,” he added.

He then turned his attention to Fakhar Zaman, the sole full-time opener for Pakistan, emphasizing his formidable batting prowess.

“Fakhar Zaman, their only full-time opener, has an average of 46. It’s a good average. Fakhar can take the game away from India,” the former spinner said.

Harbhajan Singh then assessed the rest of Pakistan’s batting lineup, highlighting their averages against India, suggesting that, despite some talent, none of them appeared to pose a significant threat.

“Right now, if we look at Faheem Ashraf, his average is 12.5. I don’t think he can pose a threat to the opposing team,” he further added.

“And Saud Shakeel’s average against India is 6. So, with such averages, when I look at the batting lineup, I don’t have the confidence that this team will win.”

READ: Champions Trophy: Harbhajan Singh issues bold statement about Pakistan-India clash

Champions Trophy: Harbhajan Singh issues bold statement about Pakistan-India clash

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has made a bold statement about the result of his country’s upcoming match against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi.

Meanwhile, the high-octane clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Harbhajan Singh predicted India to win single-handedly while calling it an ‘overhyped’ match. The former spinner asserted that India is a much stronger team.

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“India and Pakistan. You heard it right, this is an overhyped match. Because there is nothing in it,” he said. “India is a very strong team, while Pakistan is an inconsistent team as they recently lost to New Zealand at home.”

“Pakistan’s team seems to be a little weak. Because apart from Babar and Rizwan, there is no other batsman in that team. If you look at their team in bowling they are not in form.”

Harbhajan also expressed confidence in India’s squad, while predicting that this team can win the Champions Trophy 2025.

“In the match between India and Pakistan, Pakistan is far behind, and India looks like a team that can win this Champions Trophy,” he stated.

Squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: Mohammad Amir casts doubts over Haris Rauf’s Champions Trophy participation

Shahid Afridi reveals how he took pity on Harbhajan Singh

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi revealed an interesting story from his playing days about feeling sorry for Harbhajan Singh during a match between Pakistan and India.

Afridi, known for his explosive batting, disclosed that Harbhajan pleading eyes on him during a game in Kanpur, India, in April 2005 was the turning point for him.

Afridi said during an interview that he was batting on 96 in Kanpur, when he gently pushed the ball towards mid-on, resulting in a four which brought up his century.

The former captain expressed regret, saying that rather than attempting to defend the next ball of Harbhajan, he ought to have hit it for a six.

After scoring a century, he was cleaned bowled by Harbhajan, resulting in his crucial wicket for the team.

Shahid Afridi jokingly said that he should not have felt sorry for Harbhajan Singh, who had looked at him with ‘desperate’ eyes after the century.

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For the unversed, Afridi was named the Player of the Match for his wonderful century in the fifth ODI played between the arch-rivals. Following the match, Pakistan also took an unaccessible ODI series lead of 3-2 courtesy of Afridi’s great knock.

Earlier in June 2024, Harbhajan Singh opened up on how Shahid Afridi used to threaten the opposition with his batting including India

While discussing the impact and aggressive nature of Afridi’s batting, the former spinner said that the former Pakistan captain had that knack that could snatch the game from the opposition in a short period.

“It doesn’t matter how much time he spent on the wicket, but he added the duration of our team meeting. I can remember the 2007 World Cup match. If Shahid Afridi is still to bat, there would be fear in the opposition,” Singh said.

According to the Indian spin bowler, the explosive batter could change the course of the match even if he played only 15 balls due to his style of batting.

“He had the ability to take the game deep” concluded Harbhajan.

Singh also disclosed that the Indian team was concerned regarding Afridi’s major role during the final between Pakistan and India in T20 World Cup 2007.

READ: Former cricketer gives shocking statement about Babar Azam playing as opener

Former Pakistan cricketer calls Harbhajan Singh “hypocrite”

Former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed, known for his blunt remarks, called out former India spinner Harbhajan Singh for his “hypocrisy” towards Pakistan.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Meanwhile Singh, in a recent interview with IANS, backed the BCCI’s decision to not send the Indian team to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing the “safety concern”.

“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation is such that incidents occur almost daily,” Singh said during an interview with IANS.

“It’s not safe for the team to go there. The BCCI’s stance is absolutely correct—nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I fully support the BCCI’s decision,” he added.

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In response, Tanveer Ahmed took to his X, formerly Twitter, and lashed out at Harbhajan Singh over his stance regarding India’s participation in Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

“Hey Harbhajan Singh, you hypocrite! If you say that India shouldn’t go to Pakistan, then why do you meet with Pakistani players? We also know what kind of hypocrites are in your country,” Tanvir wrote on X.

Remember, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

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Harbhajan Singh not in favor of India visiting Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh recently supported the reported decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The eight-team event is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Harbhajan Singh expressed his backing for the decision, citing prominent security concerns in Pakistan. The former player underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Indian players.

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“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation is such that incidents occur almost daily,” Singh said during an interview with IANS.

“It’s not safe for the team to go there. The BCCI’s stance is absolutely correct—nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I fully support the BCCI’s decision,” he added.

Remember, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

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Harbhajan Singh fumes over Rizwan-Dhoni comparison

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh slammed a Pakistani sports commentator for drawing a comparison between Mohammad Rizwan with former India captain MS Dhoni.

In a post on X, Farid Khan, asked his followers to draw a comparison of Rizwan with Dhoni to decide who is better.

Sharing a collage of the two cricketers, he wrote, “MS Dhoni or Mohammad Rizwan” Who is better? Tell me honestly.”

However, Harbhajan Singh who played under the captaincy of Dhoni, was irked by the post and blasted Farid Khan for attempting to compare the two cricketers.

“What r u smoking nowadays ???? What a silly question to ask . Bhaiyo isko batao . DHONI bhut aage hai RIZWAN se (Tell him that Dhoni is far ahead of Rizwan) Even if u will ask Rizwan he will give u an honest answer for this,” Singh wrote in a reply to the X post.

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While the former Indian spin bowler appreciated the talent of Mohammad Rizwan, saying that the Pakistani wicketkeeping batter always plays with intent, Singh was against a comparison between the two players.

“DHONI no 1 even today in world cricket. None better thn him behind stumps,” wrote Harbhajan Sing in reply.

It is pertinent to mention that Dhoni led India to victory in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup 2007 in South Africa. He also led the team that won the ODI World Cup trophy in 2011 in India.

In 2013, he became the first-ever captain to have won all ICC trophies after guiding India to a Champions Trophy 2013 victory in England.

Pakistan’s wicketkeeping batter Mohammad Rizwan has over 5,000 runs in international cricket, averaging above 40 across all formats.

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