WCL 2025: Big update on the India vs Pakistan controversy
The much-anticipated clash between the India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL 2025) has taken an unexpected turn, as the fixture was officially called off. The decision came after the Indian players collectively opted out of the match, citing the ongoing political tensions and strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. As a result, the game, which was scheduled to be one of the tournament's marquee encounters, failed to take place. Following the withdrawal, the Pakistan Champions reportedly refused to share points with the India Champions, expressing disappointment over the sudden cancellation.
India vs Pakistan WCL 2025 controversy witnesses a massive moment
Sources suggest that the Pakistan camp believes the decision disrupted the competitive spirit of the tournament and deprived them of a fair opportunity to earn points on the field. While the tournament organisers are yet to announce a final verdict regarding points allocation, the incident has reignited conversations around how political circumstances continue to affect cricketing ties between the two nations, even at a legends-level event. Fans from both sides have taken to social media, either supporting or criticising the stance taken by the Indian team. For now, the match remains a missed opportunity for cricket fans eagerly waiting for another classic India-Pakistan contest.
Sources from the World Championship of Legends revealed on Monday that the tournament organisers have officially communicated to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the high-profile India vs Pakistan game was due to reasons beyond their control. The organisers clarified that the Indian players’ withdrawal was not driven by sporting or disciplinary issues but was influenced by external circumstances, which made it difficult for the match to go ahead as scheduled.
In their communication with the ECB, the WCL management emphasised that the Indian team should not be held at fault for the cancellation. They highlighted that the situation was complex and sensitive, and the players had valid concerns which led to their collective decision to step away from the fixture. The organisers also acknowledged the significance of the match and the disappointment it caused to fans, but reiterated that maintaining the dignity and safety of all players involved was their top priority.
The ECB has not issued a public response yet, but discussions are ongoing about how the match outcome will be recorded—whether as a no-result or a forfeiture. Meanwhile, the incident has stirred fresh debate around politics and sport intersecting yet again.
"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. Pakistan Champions team are not willing to share points because they are saying that it is India who backed out, not them," said WCL sources.
Dear all , pic.twitter.com/ViIlA3ZrLl
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 19, 2025
Several senior Indian cricketers, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, reportedly communicated their decision to withdraw from the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the World Championship of Legends. Sources close to the development revealed that the players conveyed their unavailability well in advance, citing reasons that were not entirely related to on-field matters. Following their decision, it is believed that other members of the India Champions squad also adopted a similar stance, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the high-voltage fixture.
The collective decision by multiple players significantly impacted the team’s ability to field a competitive side, prompting the organisers to call off the match and it will definitely impact in the upcoming matches. While the official reason remains undisclosed, the development reflects a unified stand within the Indian camp. This decision has added another layer of tension to an already sensitive rivalry, with fans and officials now waiting for further clarification on how the points will be allocated.
"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. (I stand by the decision I took on May 11. My country is everything for me and nothing is bigger than the country)," said former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan on X.
