India-Pakistan WCL 2025 Match Cancelled Following Indian Legends' Withdrawal Over Pahalgam Attack Protests
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 saw the cancellation of its anticipated India vs Pakistan match after several Indian cricket legends withdrew in protest, citing the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 casualties earlier this year.
The match, which was set to occur on July 20 at Edgbaston, would have marked the first cricket encounter between India and Pakistan since the attacks on April 22. However, mounting calls for a boycott from both players and the public led organizers to reconsider. Following these withdrawals, the WCL issued an official apology and confirmed the match's cancellation.
The WCL expressed in a statement, “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.”
Further, the organizers stated, “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.”
Among the Indian cricketers who reportedly withdrew from the game were Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan. According to India Today, their decisions were shaped by the geopolitical climate following the Pahalgam attack. Shikhar Dhawan had previously communicated his stance in May, sharing an email with the organizers where he declined participation.
Dhawan reaffirmed his decision through a post on X, stating, “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 represents a significant instance where issues of national security and public sentiment have directly impacted an international sporting event. It also brings into question the future of cricket relations between India and Pakistan amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
