Breaking News by: Pakistan Cricket Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan & Yusuf Pathan have withdrawn from WCL game against Pakistan.
World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is back in the news for a big reason..the Indian legends Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan are reported to have pulled out from the much-awaited game against Pakistan Champions, which is slated to be held on 20th July 2025, in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The decision has led to plenty of debate, with supporters and pundits positing theories on why the tournament is being boycotted, and what the impact will be. Here’s a closer look at the news, the context behind it and what it means for the WCL 2025.
The WCL 2025 and the India-Pakistan Clash
World Championship of Legends is a T20 Cricketing event including the former cricketing legends from six nations that are India, Pakistan, England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies. The 2025 tournament, playing 18 July-2 August, is at four legendary English venues — Edgbaston, Northampton, Leicester, and Headingley. The event has generated a good deal of public interest, particularly with the marquee India vs. Pakistan clash — a match that has an intense rivalry and a huge global viewership.
India Champions, captained by Yuvraj Singh, are the reigning champions after they defeated Pakistan Champions by 5 wickets in the first WCL final in 2024. The 2025 meeting was due to be the reunion to kick start that classic rivalry again despite the fact that Pakistan Champions, led by Mohammad Hafeez, were on a high after a sensational five-run win over the England Champions in their opening match.
Why Did Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan Pull Out?
According to multiple reports, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan have chosen not to participate in the India vs. Pakistan match, citing geopolitical tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives. The attack and its aftermath have strained India-Pakistan relations, leading to significant public backlash on social media against Indian players participating in the match.
Harbhajan Singh, a Rajya Sabha member for the Aam Aadmi Party, and Yusuf Pathan, a Member of Parliament from Baharampur for the Trinamool Congress, faced particular scrutiny due to their political roles. The backlash intensified as fans and netizens questioned the appropriateness of Indian players competing against Pakistan in light of the recent tragedy. Irfan Pathan, known for his outspoken stance on social issues, also expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, which may have influenced his decision.
Additionally, reports suggest that the inclusion of Shahid Afridi in the Pakistan Champions squad may have contributed to the boycott. Afridi, a former Pakistan captain, has previously made controversial statements about India, which have not been well-received by Indian players and fans. According to TelecomAsia.net, the Indian trio, along with Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, expressed discomfort playing against a team featuring Afridi.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Stance and Match Cancellation
Shikhar Dhawan, another key member of the India Champions squad, publicly confirmed his decision to skip the match, stating that he had informed WCL organizers as early as May 11, 2025, of his intent to boycott games against Pakistan due to the geopolitical climate. Dhawan’s statement, shared via X, emphasized his unwavering commitment to national sentiment: “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!” (Translation: “I stand by the decision taken on May 11. My country means everything to me, and nothing is greater than my country.”)
The collective withdrawal of these prominent players led to the cancellation of the India vs. Pakistan match on July 20, 2025. The WCL organizers issued an apology on X, acknowledging the discomfort caused to Indian players and fans. They explained that their intent was to create “happy memories” for cricket enthusiasts, inspired by recent India-Pakistan encounters in other sports like volleyball and hockey. However, in response to the backlash and player withdrawals, they decided to cancel the fixture to respect national sentiments.
Impact on the Tournament and Teams
The cancellation marks a significant moment in the WCL 2025, as the India-Pakistan clash was billed as a highlight of the tournament. India Champions will now focus on their upcoming matches, starting with South Africa Champions on July 22 in Northampton, followed by games against Australia, England, and West Indies Champions. Pakistan Champions, meanwhile, will continue their campaign with their next match scheduled for July 25 in Leicester.
The absence of key players like Harbhajan, Irfan, and Yusuf could impact India Champions’ performance in the tournament. Harbhajan and Piyush Chawla anchor the spin attack, while Irfan and Yusuf Pathan provide all-round depth. However, the squad remains formidable, with players like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, and Robin Uthappa capable of stepping up.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The boycott and subsequent cancellation have sparked a polarized response on X. Some users praised the players for prioritizing national sentiment, with posts like, “Harbhajan Singh, Irfan, and Yusuf Pathan stand tall. Nation First!” Others expressed disappointment, arguing that sports should remain apolitical and that the boycott undermines the spirit of the game. One user remarked, “Pakistan shouldn’t have been allowed in the tournament at all,” reflecting the intensity of public sentiment.
The controversy has also reignited debates about the intersection of cricket and politics, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. While some fans lamented the loss of a high-voltage clash, others supported the players’ stance, viewing it as a stand against cross-border tensions.
What’s Next for WCL 2025?
The WCL 2025 continues with a packed schedule, culminating in the semifinals on July 31 and the final on August 2 at Edgbaston. India Champions, as defending champions, remain strong contenders, but the absence of key players in the spotlight could shift team dynamics. For Pakistan Champions, the cancellation means they avoid a potentially charged encounter, allowing them to focus on their remaining group-stage matches.
Cricket fans can catch the action live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi, with streaming available on the FanCode app and website. Despite the cancellation, the tournament promises intense patriotism and national pride; the boycott by Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and others reflects the complex interplay of sports and geopolitics, leaving fans to ponder the broader implications for cricket’s role in fostering unity or division.
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