In a bold declaration that has electrified fans, former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh emphatically stated his belief that India will emerge victorious in tonight’s Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. Using the vibrant Hindi phrase, “Aaj Bharat chak dega phatte” (Today, India will smash it), he captured the prevailing sentiment.
Speaking in a video widely shared, Harbhajan further affirmed, “Aaj Bharat jeetega aur hum sab celebrate karenge” (Today, India will win, and we all will celebrate), perfectly reflecting the high spirits of both the Indian team and its passionate supporters. Expectations are soaring, especially given India’s undefeated run in the tournament, which includes two convincing victories over Pakistan—a seven-wicket win in the group stage on September 14 and another six-wicket triumph in the Super Fours on September 21.
Harbhajan’s unwavering confidence isn’t just a prediction; it underscores India’s stellar performance throughout the tournament. This high-stakes clash sees fans and players alike eager to claim bragging rights and secure a third consecutive win against their arch-rivals within a mere 14 days.
Beyond his match-day insights, Harbhajan also unveiled a significant development for Indian domestic cricket. Representing the Punjab Cricket Association at the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai, he shared news of a new financial incentive scheme designed to reward players for increased participation in domestic matches.
“It has been decided that if a player plays more domestic matches in a season, he will get more money. This will be an incentive for teams to reach the finals of domestic tournaments,” Harbhajan explained. He further detailed the initiative, stating, “If a cricketer plays 14 first-class matches a season, he will get an additional match fee of Rs 1 crore.” This bold move highlights the board’s commitment to fostering consistency and healthy competition within the domestic circuit.
This initiative is being widely celebrated as a potential game-changer for prestigious tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, encouraging top talent to prioritize domestic cricket while offering substantial financial recognition for sustained performance and dedication.