WCL 2025: India vs Pakistan clash called off; organisers issue apology
After severe public backlash, the fixture between India and Pakistan at the World Championship of Legends 2025 has been cancelled, WCL confirmed on ‘X’. In a formal statement posted on their ‘X’ account, the World Championship of Legends mentioned that the India-Pakistan clash was included in their schedule after witnessing the recent clash between India and Pakistan’s volleyball teams and hearing the news of Pakistan's hockey team coming to play in India.
The organisers said that the sole purpose behind scheduling the fixture was to create ‘happy memories for the fans’ and not to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
"After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing the recent India vs Pakistan volleyball match along with a few other fixtures between the two nations in different sports, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL, just to create some happy memories for people around the globe.” the WCL statement read.
"But maybe in the process, we ended up hurting the feelings of many and stirring emotions," it added.
Dear all , pic.twitter.com/ViIlA3ZrLl
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 19, 2025
The organizers admitted that they had ‘unintentionally’ caused discomfort to the Indian cricketers who are participating in the tournament.
Yesterday, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan took to ‘X’ to reveal that he had sent an email to the organizers, expressing his concern over his participation against Pakistan in the tournament. He reaffirmed his stance on the same, putting his nation above everything else.
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.
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gLCwEXcrnR
Several other Indian cricketers participating, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Suresh Raina, etc. had also pulled out of the clash against Pakistan.
World Championship of Legends runs from 18th July to 2nd August 2025
The second edition of the World Championship of Legends started on 18th July 2025 with the clash between Pakistan Champions and England Champions. India Champions were scheduled to begin their campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, but it has now been called off. The final will take place on 2nd August 2025 in Birmingham.
