WCL cancels India-Pakistan legends match after Indian stars boycott game

At the Legendary World Championships in Birmingham on Sunday, a cricket match of a veterans involving India and Pakistan was canceled in April of Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan.

The second edition of the tournament started on June 18 at Edgbaston and is planned for the August 2 Final. The World Cup champion Yuvraj Singh was the captain of the Indian Legends, while Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Surresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and Varun Aaron.

WCL organizers shared a statement in their X accounts, detailed the cancellation decision and said that their intentions were to create some “happy memories” again while running the match.

“After hearing the news of the Pakistan Hockey team to come to India this year and seeing the Pakistan Volleyball match against the last India, we thought to continue with a few luminaires between the two countries in different sports, Pakistani match at WCL.

“But perhaps in the process, we damaged the feelings of many people and confused emotions.” The organizers also apologized to the Indian legends to “unintentionally cause discomfort”.

“Therefore, we decided to call the Indian-Pakistan match. We apologize for harming emotions and hope that people will understand that the only thing we have ever wanted is to bring a few happy moments to fans.”

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan also shared a statement about X and announced that his booth did not participate in the match against Pakistan.

“This is to officially repeat and confirm that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan would not participate in any match against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This decision was previously conveyed during our discussion on May 11, 2025,” he said.

Dhawan clearly stated that the current “geopolitical” situation between India and Pakistan was taken into consideration after the Sindoor Operation by the County Terrorist attack and the country.

“Considering the current geopolitical situation and dominant tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr. Dhawan and his team took this position after necessary.

“We respect the league’s understanding and cooperation with respect.”

Last year, India defeated Pakistan with five small gates to win the opening edition of the six -team legends tournaments in Edgbaston last year.