India Champions vs Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) was officially called off after several Indian players withdrew, citing the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The fallout has sparked a new standoff, with Pakistan Champions refusing to share points and claiming India backed out.
WCL clears India Champions of blame in official communication
According to reports from NDTV and ANI, WCL organisers have informed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that the match at Edgbaston, Birmingham could not be held due to circumstances beyond their control. Importantly, they stated that the India Champions team was not at fault.
“WCL have conveyed to 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,” a WCL source told ANI.
Security concerns lead Indian players to opt out
Several senior Indian cricketers—including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan—confirmed their decision to withdraw from the match due to security and geopolitical tensions. The game, originally slated as a marquee fixture, was scrapped after the players raised objections in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack targeting tourists.
Dhawan reaffirmed his decision publicly, posting on X (formerly Twitter) a copy of an email sent to the organisers on May 11:
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
Pakistan Champions reject point-sharing despite cancellation
Even after the match was officially cancelled by organisers, the Pakistan Champions squad has declined to share points, arguing that India’s voluntary withdrawal was the sole reason for the cancellation. The refusal threatens to further sour relations in an already tense cricketing and political environment.
WCL organisers had aimed to showcase retired legends from both nations in a spirit of camaraderie, but the political climate has intruded once again. The episode has reignited the longstanding rivalry, this time off the field.
Contrast to last year’s WCL final
The dispute is a sharp departure from the tone of last year’s WCL final, in which India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions by five wickets. India comfortably chased a 157-run target to lift the trophy. That result was expected to pave the way for more such high-profile matchups. Instead, the tournament is now embroiled in controversy.
This latest India vs Pakistan clash serves as a reminder of how deeply political realities can influence cricket, even at exhibition tournaments like the WCL.
