WCL Cancels India vs Pakistan Match After Backlash and Player Withdrawals

New Delhi (India) July 20: Due to intense criticism of the match, the World Championship of Legends (WCL) cancels the match between India and Pakistan. According to reports, a number of Indian players withdrew from the match. It includes all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, opener Shikhar Dhawan, spinner Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina.

The opening match of the WCL season 2 between the English and Pakistani champions took place on July 18. But everyone's attention was focused on the July 20 India vs. Pakistan match. After the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the people felt angry at the way the match was organized.

As a result, the organizers have canceled the game. They also express regret for offending the public's values.

WCL organisers said, “Dear All, We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments. After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing the recent India vs Pakistan volleyball match along with a few other fixtures between the two nations in different sports, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL - just to create some happy memories for people around the globe.” 

On social networking platform X, former Indian cricket player Shikhar Dhawan posts a statement. He clarifies his intention to skip the match against Pakistan. Additionally, he also shares a clear email that he sent to the WCL organizers on May 11. He states that he will not be participating because of the current geopolitical concerns.

Shahid Afridi of the Pakistan Champions team has recently made a number of controversial comments regarding India. He was scheduled to play in the India vs. Pakistan WCL match. Afridi receives a lot of backlash on social media for spreading hatred towards India.

Shahid Afridi made peculiar comments on the terror incident. The incident killed 26 innocent people and his message went viral on social media.

He posted, “The terrorists continued to kill people in Pahalgam for an hour, and not a single Indian soldier out of 8 lakh showed up. But when they did, they blamed Pakistan." 

As a result, Afridi's appearance only served to increase the public's anger over the match. India and Pakistan may once more compete in the competition's knockout stages. Although it is unclear how the event will proceed.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) approves the WCL 2025. It will take place at four UK locations—Brighton, Northampton, Leicester and Leeds. Retired international players will compete in the tournament.

The tournament's second edition began on June 18 in Edgbaston. It is set to finish on August 2. 

Yuvraj Singh is the captain of the India legends. The team also includes Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and Varun Aaron.

Aadrika Tayal