Big Blow To WCL: India-Pakistan Game Off, Organisers Say ‘Sorry’

The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) has been officially cancelled, following strong resistance from Indian players and one of the tournament’s primary sponsors.

The announcement came via a formal statement from tournament organisers, who issued an apology for ‘hurting sentiments’ and ‘causing discomfort’ to the Indian cricketing legends.

According to the WCL organisers, the fixture had been planned with the intention of promoting goodwill, drawing inspiration from a recent friendly volleyball match between the two nations.

However, they acknowledged that the idea had not landed as hoped and instead led to unease and criticism.

“The fixture was planned to create happy memories for fans. But we understand that it may have caused unease to the Indian legends and fans. We sincerely apologise for hurting sentiments and have decided to cancel the match,” the statement stated.

The decision comes in the wake of public statements from former India internationals such as Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan. Both players made clear their unwillingness to participate in the match.

Dhawan, posting on the social media platform, shared a copy of an email he had sent to the WCL on 11 May, declining to play against Pakistan.

Taking to X, he posted, “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!”

Sources suggest that several other Indian players have also privately communicated their unwillingness to play in the fixture.

Sponsor Stance Adds Pressure

Further complications arose when EaseMyTrip, a major WCL sponsor, reiterated its established stance against any involvement in matches featuring Pakistan.

The travel-tech company, which entered a five-year sponsorship agreement with the tournament two years ago, made its position public once again.

Taking to X, the company posted, “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.”

The match was scheduled to take place in Birmingham on Sunday. It would have marked the first cricketing clash between India and Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack. The game also followed India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Heightened tensions had already stirred strong reactions among fans and in political circles.

India Legends, the reigning WCL champions, defeated Pakistan in last year’s final. The match featured participation from both Shahid Afridi and leading Indian players.

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