The World Championship of Legends (WCL) cancelled a cricket match between veteran players from India and Pakistan on July 19, 2025, following the refusal by Indian participants, including Shikhar Dhawan, to play due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The WCL organisers issued an apology for the discomfort caused, admitting they had misjudged the situation despite recent positive sports exchanges between the two nations. The match, scheduled for Sunday, was intended to promote goodwill but ultimately highlighted the persistent strains following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military confrontation. As a result, the Pakistan team, led by Mohammed Hafeez, and the Indian side, captained by Yuvraj Singh, will not compete against each other in this tournament.
Indian veteran cricketer Shikhar Dhawan withdrew, citing the current geopolitical situation and the prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, in a screenshot of an email he shared on his X account. Other Indian players followed suit, leading WCL to cancel the game.
Dear all , pic.twitter.com/ViIlA3ZrLl
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 19, 2025WCL has issued a statement on X regarding the India vs Pakistan match, explaining, “We have decided to cancel the match.” Organisers highlighted that this decision is based on the improved sporting ties between the two countries, referencing a recent volleyball match and ongoing discussions about Pakistan’s hockey team potentially touring India. They also acknowledged the impact of their initial decision, saying, “We apologise for hurting people’s sentiments and for causing discomfort to Indian players due to WCL’s decision to hold the match in the first place.”
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.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gLCwEXcrnR
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025WCL unites retired international cricketers for competitive T20 matches, running from July 18 to August 2, 2025, across Birmingham, Northampton, Leeds, and Leicester in England. Teams from England, India, Pakistan, Australia, the West Indies, and South Africa participate, blending nostalgia with rivalries. The India-Pakistan matchup generated excitement but fell victim to tensions.
The cancellation ties to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, killing 26 people. India blamed Pakistan without evidence, launching Operation Sindoor. Pakistan denied involvement, leading to a four-day conflict, the worst in decades, with airstrikes and jet downings. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire ended hostilities on May 10.
