The India vs Pakistan match in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has been officially cancelled after several Indian cricket legends withdrew in protest, citing the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives earlier this year.
The fixture, originally scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston, was expected to be the first India-Pakistan cricket clash since the April 22 attacks. However, growing calls for a boycott—both from players and the public—forced the organisers to rethink. Following the withdrawals, WCL issued an official apology and confirmed the cancellation.
In a heartfelt statement, WCL said, “Our only aim has been to bring joy to cricket fans worldwide. After hearing that the Pakistan hockey team would be visiting India and seeing recent fixtures in other sports, we thought an India vs Pakistan match would help create happy memories. But in the process, we unintentionally hurt the sentiments of many and caused discomfort to our Indian legends.”
The organisers added, “We sincerely apologise again. Our intention was never to stir emotions or offend anyone. With deep respect for our players and fans, we have decided to call off the match.”
Indian cricketers including Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan reportedly pulled out of the game. According to India Today, their decisions were influenced by the geopolitical climate following the Pahalgam attack. Shikhar Dhawan had earlier made his position clear in May, sharing an email he sent to the organisers where he declined to participate.
Dhawan reaffirmed his decision with a post on X, writing, “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.” (The step I took on May 11, I still stand by it. My country means everything to me; nothing is greater than the nation.)
The cancellation marks a rare moment where sentiments on national security and public outrage have directly influenced an international sporting event. It also raises broader questions about the future of India-Pakistan cricket amid continuing diplomatic tensions.
