Cricket fans around the world were all set for a nostalgic showdown, a rare treat, featuring India vs Pakistan at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. But, what could’ve been a celebration of cricketing harmony has now become a sobering reminder of how deep-seated tensions still haunt the sport.
On Sunday, WCL officially called off the fourth match of the tournament, the marquee face-off between India and Pakistan, that was to be played at Edgbaston. The organisers broke the news through a heavy statement. “We’ve always aimed to bring joy to fans through cricket,” the post read. “But sometimes, good intentions alone aren’t enough.”
Originally, the idea behind scheduling this match was simple: rekindle some joy, with the Pakistan hockey team scheduled to tour India this year and recent Indo-Pak volleyball matches taking place peacefully, organizers hoped this match would be another small step toward normalcy, or at least, nostalgia.
But what unfolded behind the scenes tells a more complicated story.
According to multiple reports, five prominent Indian players — Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Shikhar Dhawan — voiced strong objections to the presence of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. They demand that they wouldn’t play if Afridi were included in the squad, or even allowed into the stadium.
Over the years, Afridi has made multiple remarks about India that have stirred controversy. Recently, he even clashed with Shikhar Dhawan on social media, a spat that clearly left a mark. Dhawan confirmed his withdrawal from the match on Instagram. Harbhajan and Yusuf reportedly pulled out earlier, citing political sensitivities and rising public pressure.
In the middle of it all, Pakistan’s team, led by Mohammad Hafeez, had quietly kicked off their WCL campaign with a gritty win over England. The squad, which included Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, and Wahab Riaz, looked ready for the iconic match. But history had other plans.
What’s most striking about this cancellation is how symbolic it feels. This was supposed to be a game about legacy, about players who once carried the hopes of millions. Instead, it reminded us that even legends aren’t immune to the unresolved tensions of the present.
For now, fans must file this one under “what could’ve been.” A match that didn’t happen but still managed to make headlines, break hearts, and spark conversation.
Sometimes, an empty pitch’s silence says more than a full stadium’s roar.
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