Tensions rule out cricket: India-Pakistan WCL match cancelled

A highly anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan, scheduled as part of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), has been cancelled due to the current geopolitical tensions between the two countries.

The match was set to take place on Sunday in Birmingham but was called off after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to participate. The organisers of the WCL issued a formal statement explaining their decision and expressing regret over the controversy the fixture had caused.

"We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments," the statement read. "After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing recent India vs Pakistan volleyball and other inter-nation fixtures, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL — just to create some happy memories for people around the globe."

"However, we have decided to call off the India vs Pakistan match," the statement added." We sincerely apologise for hurting sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans."

The controversy arose after Indian players decided not to participate in the match citing national and political sensitivities. Shikhar Dhawan, one of the key players in the Indian side, shared a screenshot of his official statement on social media platform X, clearly stating his position.

"This is to formally reiterate that Mr Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This discussion was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025."

"In view of our current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration. We respectfully request the league's understanding and cooperation on this matter."

The second edition of the WCL began on July 18 in Birmingham, featuring legendary players from six major cricketing nations: India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, England, and the West Indies. Each team is set to face all the others once, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals on July 31.

The final is scheduled for August 2, with matches being hosted in Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester, and Leeds.

India, captained by Yuvraj Singh, was scheduled to play their first match of the tournament on Sunday against Pakistan, led by Mohammad Hafeez. Pakistan already made a winning start to the tournament, narrowly defeating England by five runs in the opening match.

While the round-robin India-Pakistan clash has been scrapped, it remains to be seen what course the tournament will take if both teams end up facing each other in a semi-final or final.