'Play us wherever you want, we will beat you' - Harbhajan Singh's reply to Najam Sethi for 'India afraid of Pakistan' remark

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has schooled former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi over his ‘Is India scared to play Pakistan’ remark. Notably, Sethi had suggested that India is scared to face Pakistan due to BCCI’s (Board of Control for Cricket in India) reluctance to change the venue from Colombo to Hambantota for the upcoming Super 4 game between the two teams.

The weather in Colombo isn’t too fruitful for a complete game with the forecast of a 90% chance of rain throughout the match. Sethi’s statement didn’t go down well with Harbhajan who asked him what is he smoking these days. He further said that India will beat Pakistan wherever they play them.

"Don't know what Najam Sethi is smoking nowadays. He says, India does not want to play Pakistan because India is scared. India is never scared to play anyone. Don't know where this is coming from. They needed to sit with the Asian Cricket Council and see where the tournament is going to be held. Whether the weather forecast was right or not. Boss, come and play us wherever you want, we will beat you,” Harbhajan Singh said on Sports Today.

BCCI/ACC informed PCB today that they had decided to shift next India-Pak match from Colombo to Hambantota because of rain forecasts. Within one hour they changed their mind and announced Colombo as the venue. What’s going on? Is India afraid to play and lose to Pakistan ? Look… pic.twitter.com/8LXJnzoXNf

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) September 5, 2023

The previous fixture between India and Pakistan was washed out as inclement weather didn’t allow the second innings to begin in Pallekele. To counter that, ACC (Asian Cricket Council) has kept a reserve day for the highly anticipated clash. Notably, it’s the only match apart from the final to have a reserve day.

Also Check: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs India Live Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

PCB wanted to shift Colombo matches to Hambantota

Despite having a reserve day, efforts will be made to complete the game on the scheduled day itself by reducing the number of overs. Furthermore, the match will continue from the same stage if the reserve day comes into effect. 

Earlier, PCB, the official hosts of the tournament, wanted to shift the matches from Colombo to Hambantota with the rain threat looming large. However, the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) denied the request and a reserve day was added for the big game.