Indian Stars Refuse To Play Pakistan In WCL, Match Called Off

BIRMINGHAM (IANS)- The India vs. Pakistan clash at the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) has been officially called off. The decision follows strong objections from Indian players and a principal tournament sponsor, leading to an apology from organizers for “hurting sentiments” and “causing discomfort” to the Indian legends.

WCL organizers stated the fixture was initially scheduled to foster goodwill, drawing inspiration from a recent friendly volleyball match between the two nations. However, they acknowledged that the move backfired, creating discomfort among Indian players and sparking widespread backlash.

“The fixture was planned to create happy memories for fans,” the statement read. “But we understand that it may have caused unease to the Indian legends and fans. We sincerely apologize for hurting sentiments and have decided to cancel the match.”

The cancellation comes after public declarations from former India cricketers, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, who affirmed they would not participate. Dhawan, in a post on social media platform X , shared an email he had sent to WCL organizers on May 11, clearly stating his unwillingness to play against Pakistan. “Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota (I stand by the decision I made on May 11. My country is everything for me, and nothing is greater than the nation),” Dhawan wrote. Sources indicate other Indian players also privately communicated their decision to skip the Pakistan fixture.

The controversy deepened with EaseMyTrip, one of WCL’s main sponsors, reaffirming its longstanding policy of non-participation in any match involving Pakistan.

India and Pakistan were scheduled to face off in Birmingham on July 20. This would have been their first cricket encounter since the Pahalgam terror attack.

The India Legends are the defending champions of the WCL, having defeated Pakistan in last year’s final, a match that saw participation from both Shahid Afridi and the Indian stalwarts.