Our Bureau
London
The match between India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) scheduled for Sunday July 20th, has been called off. The decision was announced by the organisers after Shikhar Dhawan alongside many other Indian players refused to participate in the match. The decision comes in the wake of the tensions between the two countries, especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that led to 26 tourists being killed.
Former Indian opener, Shikhar Dhawan has made his stance clear for a long time that he stands with his country no matter what. He put out a post on his official X handle stating that he stands firm on the stance he took on 11th May and emphasized that nothing is greater than his country.
He said, “Jo Kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh see badhkar aur kuch nahi hota. (The decision I took on 11 May, I still stand by it. My country is everything to me, and nothing is greater than the country).”
Dhawan also posted the mail he wrote to the WCL organisers informing them about his decision to not participate in the match. He wrote, “This is to formally reiterate and confirm that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League.”
He reiterated that the decision was already communicated to the organisers on 11th May 2025 as the tensions were rising between the two nations. The mail added, “This decision was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025. In view of the current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration. We respectfully request the league’s understanding and cooperation on this matter.”
