A game that was to be played between India and Pakistan at the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) in Birmingham on Sunday was cancelled after the Indian players, led by Shikhar Dhawan, refused to play citing the “current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions” between the two countries.
Dhawan posted a screenshot of his statement on X that said: “This is to formally reiterate that Mr Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This discussion was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025.
“In view of our 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.”
The WCL organisers, meanwhile, issued a statement that they had planned the game in the tournament – which also involves teams from Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies – after noting that the Pakistan hockey team will be touring India this year and seeing a recent volleyball match between the Under-16 sides of the two nations.
While canceling the game, the organisers apologised for unintentionally causing “discomfort to our Indian Cricket Legends”.
The second edition of the WCL started on July 18 in Birmingham and has seen three matches played. Pakistan played the opening game of the tournament but Sunday’s clash was going to be India’s first. Yuvraj Singh is leading the India side while Mohammad Hafeez is captaining Pakistan.
Each of the six teams in the tournament will play each other once before the top four proceed to the semi-finals scheduled for July 31 and the final on August 2.
The tournament is being played in Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester and Leeds.
As the WCL itself called off the game, the India Champions team will obviously not be docked any points for refusing to play .
The WCL will clearly be in a bind though if the Pakistan team manage to qualify for the knockouts later in the tournament.
