A highly anticipated veterans’ cricket clash between India and Pakistan at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in England was cancelled following the withdrawal of several Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina. The match was scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 20, but was called off due to rising geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
The Pakistan Champions team, however, is reportedly unwilling to split the points, insisting they were ready to play.
According to an ANI report, WCL organisers have clarified that the India Champions team was not at fault for the cancellation.
“WCL have conveyed to the England and Wales Cricket Board that they, as organisers, were not able to conduct this match. The India Champions team are not at fault,” a source was quoted as saying.
“Pakistan Champions team are not willing to share points because they are saying that it is India who backed out, not them.”
The backdrop to the cancellation involves a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year, in which 26 people were killed. India responded with a military operation targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Citing these developments, several Indian players decided to withdraw from playing against Pakistan.
Shikhar Dhawan Explains Withdrawal
Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who was among the key withdrawals, made his position clear in a formal statement:
“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,” he wrote, sharing a screenshot of the message.
He added:
“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.”
Future India-Pakistan Matches in Doubt
The second edition of the WCL began last week, with Pakistan edging out England by five runs in the tournament opener. India, led by Yuvraj Singh, were scheduled to play their first match against Pakistan but will now open their campaign against South Africa tonight.
The situation has also cast doubts over potential India-Pakistan matches in the knockout stage.
“As for the semifinals and final, we’re currently saying that if we make it to the semifinals, there will be four teams, and we will avoid matches between the two teams,” Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan told Geo News.
However, there is no clarity on what would happen if both teams reach the final, as was the case last season, when India won the tournament.
Kamil further demanded that Pakistan be awarded full points for the called-off fixture:
“And as for this match, the two points will be awarded to us, and we deserve those points as per the rules,” he said.
