India-Pakistan clash in WCL called off

The continuing saga between India and Pakistan has taken a new turn with the organisers of World Championship of Legends (WCL) calling off the match between India and Pakistan veterans. The league, in its second season with six teams participating in it, is recognised by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The game was scheduled for Sunday night in Birmingham but will not take place after several Indian players, including Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Shikhar Dhawan among others refused to play against Pakistan. It is the first major fallout post Operation Sindoor, an Indian military action following the Pahalgam terror attack.

"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.

"But maybe in the process, we ended up hurting the feelings of many and stirring emotions," organisers WCL said in a statement. "More than that we unintentionally caused discomfort to our Indian cricket legends, who have brought so much glory to the country, and we ended up affecting the brands who supported us purely out of love for the game. Hence we decided to call off the India-Pakistan game."

Dhawan was among the first Indian players to make his position. "This is to formally reiterate and confirm that Mr Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL league. This decision was communicated earlier during our call and WhatsApp dated 11th May, 2025.

"In view of the 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," Dhawan's team posted on X. Dhawan reposted the statement.

Meanwhile, a sponsor which had entered into a five-year deal with the tournament, also disassociated itself with it the match, stating that it "will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan."

Teams from England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies besides India and Pakistan are to take part in the league that started on July 18. The final is scheduled for August 2.