'It is not necessary': Harbhajan Singh hits back at Shoaib Akhtar’s idea of IND-PAK series in COVID-19 crisis

"I don’t think anyone should think about sports and cricket at this hour. These are small things. Lives are at stake…understand that,” he was quoted as saying by numerous outlets.
 

The two arch-rival nations have not played any bilateral series since 2007. They only play each other in the ICC events and Asia Cup. 
 

Former Indian skipper, Kapil Dev had also shared similar views over the topic and had said: “He is entitled to his opinion but we don’t need to raise the money. We have enough."
 

"The situation is unlikely to get normal anytime soon and organizing a cricket game means putting our cricketers at risk which we don’t need to,” he added.

“It is just not worth the risk. And how much money can you make from three games?," the former World Cup-winner said. 
 

"In my view, you can’t even think of cricket for the next five to six months,” he added.
 

Now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, all the sporting events across the globe have come to a halt.

However, Akhtar suggested that the series be played in isolation and behind closed doors where only the personnel from the broadcasting channel will be involved.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought all sports activities to a halt, as players are practicing social distancing and self-isolation during the pandemic. 
 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the governments all around are urging people to stay at home.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), there are 14175 confirmed cases of coronavirus cases in the country and 543 fatalities have been reported.