Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed strong disappointment after the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) was cancelled. The fixture was called off after several Indian players reportedly pulled out, citing political tension following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Among those who reportedly withdrew were cricket legends Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Suresh Raina. While there was no official confirmation from all players, Shikhar Dhawan publicly stated he would not participate, citing the “current geopolitical situation.” The last-minute decision forced the WCL organisers to cancel the match, which was scheduled at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The organisers later issued an apology, stating they did not intend to cause any discomfort.
Afridi Urges Separation of Politics and Sports
Reacting to the situation, Shahid Afridi criticised the Indian side for pulling out after already reaching the venue and conducting practice sessions. He said, “If India didn’t want to play, they should have refused earlier. But after arriving, preparing, and then backing out — that’s not professional.”
Afridi emphasized that sports, especially cricket, should stay clear of political matters. “Cricket should unite, not divide. Politics should not interfere in sport. We came here to play and build bridges,” he told reporters.
He also added that players should act as ambassadors of peace, not instruments of division. According to Afridi, such actions hurt the spirit of the game and diminish opportunities for cross-border interaction.
WCL to Proceed as Scheduled Despite Tensions
Despite the controversy, Kamil Khan, the owner of the Pakistan Champions team, confirmed that the tournament will proceed without changes. He stated that all remaining matches, including potential knockout rounds, will follow the original schedule.
If the India and Pakistan teams were to meet in the semi-finals or final, WCL management would consider its options based on the situation. For now, Pakistan Champions have been awarded two points for the forfeited match, as per tournament rules.
Afridi, who faced backlash for a previous comment after the Pahalgam attack, clarified he would have stayed away from the ground had he known his presence was a concern. “Cricket is bigger than any one player. It’s not about Shahid Afridi; the game must go on,” he said.
In conclusion, Afridi called for open dialogue and continued engagement through sports, underlining that lack of communication only deepens divides. The WCL tournament continues, but the cancellation has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between cricket and politics in the subcontinent.
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