Withdrawal of Former Indian Stars from World Championship of Legends
Prominent Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan have decided to withdraw from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 exhibition match between India and Pakistan. Reports indicate that this decision came just a day before the match, which was scheduled for Sunday, July 20, at Edgbaston.
While the exact reasons for their withdrawal remain unclear, speculation suggests it may be related to social media reactions following recent events. The match was set to mark the first cricketing clash between the two nations since the event known as Operation Sindoor. There are also concerns that the match could be canceled altogether, although a final decision has not yet been made.
Sources hint that the recent Pahalgam attack, which caused tragic loss of life, may have influenced their choice. Rumors are circulating that Irfan Pathan might also pull out, but this has not been confirmed.
WCL 2025 Squads
India Champions Squad:
Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Piyush Chawla, Stuart Binny, Varun Aaron, Vinay Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Siddarth Kaul, Gurkeerat Singh Maan.
Pakistan Champions Squad:
Mohammad Hafeez (captain), Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Shoaib Malik, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Ali, Umar Amin, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Shahid Afridi, Imad Wasim, Fawad Alam, Sohaib Maqsood, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Saeed Ajmal.
Notably, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, who has made controversial comments in the past about India, is set to play a key role in the match. His previous statements, particularly following the Pahalgam attack, have drawn considerable criticism online, with many accusing him of stirring anti-India sentiments.
In a recent interview, Afridi claimed that the attack was facilitated by India itself, sparking outrage among fans and former cricketers alike. His remarks, suggesting that India blames Pakistan for its own issues, went viral and led to backlash on social media.
Tensions Resurface in India-Pakistan Sports Rivalry
This situation is not the first time the sporting rivalry between India and Pakistan has sparked controversy following Operation Sindoor. Earlier this year, a clash in the Junior Davis Cup led to criticism after an Indian player defeated a Pakistani opponent. The handshake that followed turned awkward, further fueling tensions.
As the date of the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are left wondering about the implications of these withdrawals and what the future holds for cricketing events between the two nations.
