When Legends Backed Out: Why WCL’s India–Pakistan Match Was Cancelled
July 20, 2025 – Birmingham: What was due to be the most electrifying clash at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025—India Champions vs Pakistan Champions—has been suddenly cancelled. The decision followed a wave of withdrawals by former Indian cricket stars and a key sponsor’s exit, forcing the WCL to confront political sensitivities head-on.
What Really Happened?
Earlier this week, WCL organizers announced on social media that their prestigious India–Pakistan match scheduled for Sunday at Edgbaston would not take place. The reason? Several high-profile Indian legends—including Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan and Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj Singh, and others—refused to play, citing the recent Pahalgam terror attack and resulting geopolitical tensions.
Dhawan himself confirmed via X that he had opted out on May 11, referring to “the prevailing geopolitical situation”. These refusals triggered a chain reaction: sponsor EaseMyTrip publicly withdrew support, stating it would not associate with any fixture featuring Pakistan.
WCL Issues Public Apology
Facing mounting backlash, the organizers issued a heartfelt apology:
“We thought of creating happy memories for fans… but it unintentionally hurt feelings… caused discomfort to our Indian Cricket Legends… affected brands who supported us… We sincerely apologise.”
They acknowledged misjudging public sentiment, explaining that while they hoped to emulate recent India–Pakistan goodwill in volleyball and hockey, the cricket tie-up backfired.
Fallout: Legends Step Aside & Sponsors Jump Ship
- Indian legends withdrew: Dhawan, Raina, Harbhajan, both Pathans, Yuvraj, among others.
- EaseMyTrip pulled sponsorship, citing national sentiment and distancing itself from Pakistan-inclusive fixtures.
- Social outcry, with some calling for WCL’s shutdown, while others insisted sport should transcend politics—Ramdas Athawale urged keeping overseas matches separate from domestic geopolitics
Why It Matters
- Geopolitical vs Sporting Boundaries: Even independent veteran tournaments are not immune to broader tensions.
- Player Influence: Legends still hold sway—withdrawals can derail showcase events.
- Brand Integrity: Sponsors like EaseMyTrip now link brand stance directly to national sentiment.
- Precedent for Private Cricket: This marks a cautionary tale—non-ICC tournaments tread sensitive territory when involving rival nations.
What It Means for the WCL & Cricket
- WCL must regroup: With India–Pakistan scrapped, fixture reshuffling is inevitable.
- India’s future matches continue, but the absence of its top names dilutes star power.
- Pakistan Legends remain, yet the hype factor is diminished.
- Legacy of first T20-first-class clash ruined: No one got to recreate the nostalgia of icons sharing the field in peace.
When Politics Won Over Play
The cancellation shows that even in a nostalgic veteran league, political undercurrents carry weight. The WCL’s attempt at forging cricketing goodwill overstepped public expectations. But equally, it underscores the influence of individual agency and national sentiment—especially for players who’ve been voices for their country.
Had the match gone ahead with Pakistani legends at Edgbaston, it may have set a new bar for reconciliation. Instead, the WCL was left managing reputational damage and scheduling fallout. For now, the grand India–Pakistan face-off remains a match that never happened—but a reminder that in South Asia, cricket and geopolitics are still inseparable.
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