India vs Pakistan clash cancelled: From the News Desk
A veteran’s cricket match that was to be played between the two nations in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) has been officially cancelled due to the withdrawal of multiple Indian cricket legends. The match was scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston. The tournament, which began on June 18, is scheduled to conclude with the final on August 2.
Multiple Indian Cricketers Pull Out
On Saturday, prominent former players, including Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Shikhar Dhawan, opted out of the fixture against Pakistan. Dhawan later issued a public statement via X (formerly Twitter), confirming that he had informed the organisers back in May about his decision not to participate in any matches against Pakistan.
Dhawan’s decision comes amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 Indian tourists lost their lives. The tragedy led to widespread calls for a complete boycott of Pakistan in all sectors, including sports. The tension between the two nations only intensified, and when news of this cricket fixture emerged, social media was flooded with appeals urging Indian players to withdraw.
Social Media Backlash and Political Sentiment
The match was being organised at a time of heightened public sensitivity. After the Pahalgam attack, a social media clash occurred between Dhawan and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who had made inflammatory remarks about the Indian Army. Afridi’s controversial comments added fuel to the public backlash, particularly since he is part of the Pakistan Champions squad in this tournament.
Despite facing criticism, the WCL had initially proceeded with the match, citing recent examples of sporting ties between the two countries, such as those in hockey and volleyball. However, the growing discontent and the exit of key players eventually forced organisers to cancel the game.
Statement From Organisers and Sponsors
In response to the outrage, the WCL organisers issued an apology, stating that their intention was never to hurt public sentiment but to create nostalgic sporting moments for fans.lege
The tournament’s main sponsor, EaseMyTrip, also issued a strong statement distancing itself from any match involving Pakistan. Despite having a five-year deal with the WCL, the company reaffirmed its policy of not supporting games featuring the Pakistani team.
“Our agreement with the WCL has always come with a clear condition: EaseMyTrip will not participate in or endorse any matches involving Pakistan. We are proud to support the team and stand by our national sentiment — Bharat First. Always,” the company stated on X.
Match Cancellation Confirmed
With six players pulling out and rising public pressure, the WCL confirmed on Sunday that the India vs Pakistan fixture would not go ahead. The organisers concluded by offering a public apology to Indian fans for any emotional distress the match announcement may have caused.
SuperSports View
Amid rising political tensions with Pakistan, there is a growing call among citizens and nationalists to completely cut sporting ties with Pakistan, with cricket being the primary focus.
The recent Islamist terror attack targeting Hindus in Pahalgam, allegedly backed by Pakistan, followed by India’s military response, has further strained an already fragile relationship. In this environment, many believe a boycott of Pakistan in sports is a justified and necessary response.
Though the current fixture in question is only a veterans’ match, and the World Championship of Legends (WCL) lacks the prestige and following of major ICC tournaments, national interest remains paramount for many Indians.
Pakistan, facing severe financial strain, has a clear incentive to maintain cricketing ties with India. In contrast, Indian cricket is under no such compulsion. Experts argue that our cricket is robust enough to thrive without playing Pakistan, even in global tournaments. While India has already ceased bilateral cricketing engagements, exceptions have continued for ICC events, something many now believe the BCCI should reconsider.
Remarks by former cricketer Shahid Afridi, who is part of the Pakistan veterans’ team against Indian leadership and the armed forces, are reasons enough not to play against Pakistan.
Despite strong anti-India rhetoric, Pakistan continues to seek cricketing ties, a contradiction that many view as driven more by financial desperation than sporting spirit.
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