The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston Stadium, has been officially cancelled after a number of Indian players, including captain Shikhar Dhawan and veterans Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan, withdrew from the match, as per a report. The decision came in the wake of heightened diplomatic tensions following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, most of them tourists.
Dhawan, in particular, reiterated his stance against playing Pakistan under the current circumstances. “Jo Kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh see badhkar aur kuch nahi hota,” translating to, “The decision I made on May 11, I still stand by. My country is everything to me, and nothing is greater than the nation,” he wrote on social media, captioning it `Jai Hind`.
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.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gLCwEXcrnR
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025
Dhawan also made public the formal email sent to the WCL organisers, which clearly stated his decision to not take part in any fixture involving Pakistan. “This is to formally reiterate and confirm that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This decision was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025,” the letter read. “In view of the current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration. We respectfully request the league`s understanding and cooperation on this matter.”
Dear all , pic.twitter.com/ViIlA3ZrLl
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 19, 2025
The WCL organisers, responding to the withdrawals and subsequent inability to field a full Indian team, officially called off the fixture. Edgbaston Stadium, which was to host the marquee clash, released a statement via social media confirming the cancellation. “The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow`s match between India and Pakistan (Sunday 20th July at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend as the stadium will be closed. All ticket holders will receive a full refund, please see below for further details,” the post stated.
The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow’s match between India and Pakistan (Sunday 20th July at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend as the stadium will be closed.
All ticket holders will receive a full refund, please see below for further details. pic.twitter.com/q5A0DOg356
— Edgbaston Stadium (@Edgbaston) July 19, 2025
The WCL, being a privately run tournament, does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which typically oversees India’s international cricket engagements.
Though India and Pakistan no longer play bilateral series due to strained diplomatic ties, they occasionally face each other in ICC and ACC multi-nation tournaments. However, in light of recent events, even participation in private leagues appears to be under reassessment by Indian cricketers.
