WCL faces storm as India legends, sponsors take a stand against Pakistan fixture
What was meant to be a marquee fixture in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) turned into a controversy-laden flashpoint, as the India vs Pakistan match scheduled for July 20 in Edgbaston was officially cancelled following public backlash, player withdrawals, and sponsor disengagement.
The backlash stems from heightened national sensitivity in India following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. The fallout has cast a shadow over any sporting collaboration involving Pakistan, even in events involving retired players.
Indian cricket legends pull out over national sentiment
Several prominent Indian cricketers who were expected to participate in the WCL match against Pakistan—including Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Shikhar Dhawan—chose to step away from the contest.
While some players reportedly made the decision following internal discussions and public outcry on social media, Shikhar Dhawan revealed he had communicated his stance months earlier.
“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 wrote in a post on X, referring to his earlier communication to tournament organisers.
(Translation: “I stand by the decision I took on May 11. My country is everything for me and nothing is bigger than the country.”)
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
The decision to withdraw was widely supported by fans online, many of whom had criticized the idea of an India-Pakistan fixture amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
EaseMyTrip cuts ties with Pakistan fixtures, reiterates ‘Bharat First’ stance
Adding fuel to the fire, tournament sponsor EaseMyTrip issued a strongly worded public statement distancing itself from any match involving Pakistan, despite a long-term agreement with the WCL.
“Despite entering into a 5-year sponsorship agreement with the World Championship of Legends (WCL) two years ago, our stance has always been clear–EaseMyTrip will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan. We proudly continue to support the India Champions and stand firmly by our team. However, as a matter of principle, we do not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan. This position was communicated unambiguously to the WCL team from the beginning. EaseMyTrip supports Team India, but will not engage in any match featuring Pakistan. Let’s bring the cup home. Bharat First. Always.”
— EaseMyTrip said in an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Official Statement from EaseMyTrip
Despite entering into a 5-year sponsorship agreement with the World Championship of Legends (WCL) two years ago, our stance has always been clear—EaseMyTrip will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan
We…
— EaseMyTrip.com (@EaseMyTrip) July 19, 2025
The move by one of the WCL’s primary commercial backers reinforced public sentiment and likely played a key role in the tournament’s decision to officially cancel the game.
WCL apologises for misjudgment, calls off match
In response to the escalating backlash and player exits, the World Championship of Legends issued a formal apology and cancelled the India vs Pakistan fixture.
“We had announced the India-Pakistan fixture after a recent volleyball match between the two countries to create happy memories for fans,”
World Championship of Legends (WCL) organisers said in an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“This may have ended up hurting the feelings of many and caused discomfort to the Indian legends.”
WCL said in the same statement.
Dear all , pic.twitter.com/ViIlA3ZrLl
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 19, 2025
The match, originally slated to be one of the tournament’s headline group-stage events, was scrapped just a day before its scheduled date. The WCL, which features retired international stars and is sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), continues through August 2 across cities including Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, and Northampton.
Rising tensions leave sport caught in the crossfire
This high-profile fallout reflects the broader tension between sports diplomacy and national sentiment. While the WCL aimed to entertain fans with nostalgic cricketing rivalries, the inclusion of a Pakistan fixture proved tone-deaf in the current political climate.
With both players and sponsors drawing firm lines, the tournament now faces increased scrutiny and a likely reevaluation of how it balances international sport with prevailing geopolitical sensitivities.
