The highly anticipated World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 match between India and Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday, July 20th, at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, is facing significant disruption as at least three prominent Indian players have reportedly withdrawn from the fixture. The withdrawals come amidst widespread public criticism and heightened geopolitical tensions between the two nations, particularly following the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Growing Backlash and Geopolitical Tensions
The decision by Indian players to participate in the WCL match against Pakistan had drawn considerable flak on social media. Fans and critics questioned the players’ patriotism, especially in light of the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which claimed 26 civilian lives. The attack, attributed to The Resistance Front (believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba), has severely strained India-Pakistan relations, leading to India launching “Operation Sindoor” targeting terrorist infrastructure.
Adding to the controversy, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, initially part of the Pakistan Champions squad for the WCL, had made controversial anti-India remarks and reportedly held celebratory parades following the Pahalgam incident. While reports suggest Afridi has now been excluded from the tournament by the organizers, the public sentiment against playing Pakistan remains strong.
Shikhar Dhawan Leads the Way
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan was among the first to formally confirm his withdrawal from any matches against Pakistan in the WCL. In a statement shared on social media, Dhawan reiterated a decision he had made on May 11th, citing national sentiment as paramount. His statement emphasized, “Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota” (My country means everything to me, and nothing is above the nation). Dhawan’s communication to the league formally requested their understanding given the “current geopolitical situation and the prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan.”
Pathan Brothers and Harbhajan Singh Also Pull Out
Following Dhawan’s lead, reports indicate that former Indian all-rounders Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan, along with veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh, have also decided to withdraw from the match. Sources close to the players suggest their decision was heavily influenced by the public backlash and a desire to align with national sentiment following the Pahalgam attack.
While no official confirmation has been issued by all individual players or the league, multiple media outlets have reported these withdrawals, indicating a growing list of Indian cricketers opting out of the high-profile encounter.
Match Under Threat of Cancellation
With key players withdrawing, there are strong suggestions that the India vs. Pakistan WCL match itself could be on the verge of cancellation. The absence of prominent Indian stars significantly impacts the allure and competitive nature of the fixture, which was billed as a marquee event in the tournament featuring retired international cricketers. The World Championship of Legends, an independent tournament not governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is now navigating the complex challenges of sports diplomacy amidst intense political sensitivities.
