The much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, set to take place at Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been officially cancelled. This decision followed the unexpected withdrawal of key Indian players due to growing tensions between the two countries after the recent Pahalgam attack.
Notably, veteran Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan pulled out of the game, citing public backlash over participating in a match against Pakistan. Their absence left the Indian squad significantly weakened, leading to the cancellation of the high-profile contest scheduled for Sunday.
The situation intensified after Indian fans heavily criticised players like Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan for continuing with the tournament. Reports also indicated that Suresh Raina and other players later decided to opt out of the game due to mounting pressure and the sensitive political climate.
The match had carried symbolic importance as it would have been the first cricketing encounter between India and Pakistan since the April 2025 Pahalgam incident. However, due to diplomatic strain, Indian players stepped back, deeming participation inappropriate under the current circumstances.
Although the WCL is an independent league featuring retired cricketers and not governed by the BCCI, the situation still sparked controversy. The lack of central control limited any intervention by the board, leaving the final decision to the individual players.
Pakistan’s legends team, featuring Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, and Shoaib Malik, was set to face India Champions led by Yuvraj Singh. However, due to multiple withdrawals and rising political concerns, the organisers had no choice but to cancel the much-anticipated match.