ind vs pak

High-Stakes India vs Pakistan Match at WCL 2025 Cancelled as Indian Legends Pull Out; Afridi Blames 'Politics Killing Cricket'

Several Indian cricket legends pulled out of the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, and what happened next is as expected. From social media backlash to blame game from both sides, the tense situation soon turned into a chaotic circus. 

The match was scheduled for Sunday at Edgbaston, Birmingham. A few of the Indian counterparts’ sudden withdrawal, reportedly due to prevailing political tensions, prompted organisers to cancel the fixture. The move has sparked sharp reactions across the cricketing world.

Veterans like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan are understood to have withdrawn in the wake of public backlash following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Though most players maintained silence, Shikhar Dhawan broke ranks and stated on social media, confirming his decision to sit out.

“Given recent events and the sentiments of our fellow countrymen, I have chosen not to take part in the match against Pakistan,” Dhawan wrote, citing the ‘current geopolitical situation’ as the key reason behind his move.

The absence of official word from other players only fuelled further speculation, while the cancellation of the marquee clash led to fresh debates over the uneasy intersection of sports and politics in the subcontinent.

Organisers Apologise, Award Points to Pakistan

The cancellation was greeted with attention from officials and fans alike. In a statement, the WCL organisers apologized for ‘unintentionally causing discomfort’ to the Indian contingent and stated that two points would be awarded to Pakistan Champions as per tournament regulations.

Kamil Khan, the owner of the Pakistan Champions franchise, assured that all the remaining matches would go on as planned. “We will not have a possible India vs Pakistan semifinal match. In case the two teams make it to the final, the decision will be made then,” he explained.

Cricket Must Be Kept Away from Politics: Afridi 

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who is participating in the tournament, expressed disappointment over India’s last-minute withdrawal and urged both nations to separate politics from sport.

“We are here to play cricket. I’ve always said sport should move forward and be kept away from politics. A player should represent their country with dignity, not become a source of embarrassment,” Afridi said during a media interaction.

Afridi also condemned the timing of the Indian decision. He stated that Indian players had reached the UK and undergone practice sessions before suddenly withdrawing.

“If you did not wish to play, that could have been communicated earlier. Don’t come here, practice, and withdraw at the last minute,” he further stated.

Reports Link Afridi’s Comments to Player Boycott

A few media outlets reported that the presence of Afridi might have had an impact on the Indian players’ choice. The 48-year-old had issued inflammatory comments after the attack in Pahalgam, which was blamed on the Resistance Front, a group allied with Lashkar-e-Taiba, that caused public unrest in India.

On this, Afridi stated he would not have stayed if he knew his presence made a difference.

“If I had known that the game was being interrupted due to me, I would not have even gone to the ground. What is Shahid Afridi when compared to the game? Nothing. Cricket is superior to all of us,” he added.

‘Sports Should Build Bridges, Not Barriers’

Appealing for more sporting diplomacy, Afridi stated that cricket could bring people together regardless of borders. He reiterated that such postponements only widen the gap and stop significant interactions.

“Sports unite people. If politics intrudes into every nook and corner, how do we progress? We need to talk. We came here to play cricket, have amicable chats, and foster goodwill, not to expand chasms,” he said.

He concluded his statement, stating, “If an Indian player does not wish to play, that is his individual choice. But cricket is larger than anyone, larger than Afridi, larger than anybody. The game has to go on.”

WCL 2025 Rolls on Unabated

Amid all this drama, the World Championship of Legends went on unabated. Organisers assured that there are no plans to alter the remaining matches, and audiences can look forward to the tournaent going according to schedule.