WCL organisers call off the India-Pakistan clash after Indian players like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina refuse to participate, citing geopolitical tensions, while sponsor EaseMyTrip reiterates its stand against matches involving Pakistan.
Birmingham [United Kingdom], July 20: The organisers of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) have officially cancelled the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match and issued an apology for “hurting the sentiments and hopes” of fans and players.
In a formal statement, WCL explained that the India-Pakistan fixture was announced following a recent volleyball match between the two nations, with the aim of creating positive memories for fans. However, the organisers admitted that the move inadvertently hurt the sentiments of many and caused discomfort to Indian legends participating in the tournament. Consequently, the decision to call off the fixture was taken.
Player Boycott Led by Dhawan and Raina
Earlier, several Indian players, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, publicly declared that they would not participate in the India-Pakistan match. Sources suggest that a few other Indian players have also adopted a similar stance.
Dhawan, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), shared an email he had written to the tournament organisers, stating that his decision to boycott the game was communicated as early as May 11, citing the prevailing geopolitical situation.
“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,” Dhawan wrote, reaffirming his commitment to the decision. (I stand by the decision I took on May 11. My country means everything to me, and nothing is above the nation.)
EaseMyTrip Withdraws from Matches Involving Pakistan
One of the key sponsors of WCL, EaseMyTrip, also issued a statement reiterating its stance on not associating with matches featuring Pakistan. The travel-tech platform clarified that although it entered into a 5-year sponsorship agreement with WCL two years ago, it will not participate in or promote any match involving Pakistan.
“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,” EaseMyTrip said in a post on X.
The company reaffirmed its loyalty to Team India, expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to bring the cup home. “Let’s bring the cup home. Bharat First. Always,” the statement concluded.
About WCL 2025
Scheduled to be held from July 18 to August 2, the World Championship of Legends 2025 is being played across Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester, and Leeds. The tournament, sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), features legendary cricket icons from around the world in an exciting summer spectacle.