India vs Pakistan match cancelled ahead of Asia Cup 2025; Top stars pull out

The India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming World Championship of Legends has been cancelled recently after Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and several others decided to pull out of the game.

India has been undergoing political tensions with their neighbouring nation and archrival, Pakistan, after a heinous attack at the Pahalgam valley, which led to the death of several innocent Indian civilians.

As a result of this, a military operation named 'Operation Sindoor' was also launched by the Indian government; amid these, there has been immense diplomatic strain between the two nations.

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The World Championship of Legends match between India and Pakistan was scheduled to be played on Sunday, July 20, at Birmingham, but the stance of the players forced the authorities to call off the game.

Shikhar Dhawan pulls out; India vs Pakistan match cancelled in WCL

Though India and Pakistan have not played in a bilateral series for more than a decade, the intense rivalry can be seen in several multi-team events like the ICC tournaments as well as the Asia Cup.

With the recent match between these two nations scheduled in the World Championship of Legends, former Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan, now part of the Indian Legends team, wrote to the organizers of the WCL about his decision not to play against Pakistan in the tournament.

Taking to social media, Dhawan confirmed that he remains firm on his stance, 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 the 11th of May, I stand by it to date. My country is everything to me, and there is nothing greater than the country.)

As a result of this and the public outrage, the WCL organisers finally decided to cancel the scheduled match between the two teams.

"The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow's match between India and Pakistan (Sunday, 20th July, at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend, as the stadium will be closed. All ticket holders will receive a full refund, Please see below for further details." This was announced on the official X post of Edgbaston Stadium.

The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow’s match between India and Pakistan (Sunday 20th July at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend as the stadium will be closed.

All ticket holders will receive a full refund, please see below for further details. pic.twitter.com/q5A0DOg356

— Edgbaston Stadium (@Edgbaston) July 19, 2025

Official Statement on India vs Pakistan Match Cancellation

After the cancellation of the scheduled match, a post has been made by the authorities addressing the decision, and they have also asked for an apology from the public.

They have mentioned how they aim to be a source of entertainment through the game. The decision to hold the match was taken after hearing confirmation that the Pakistan National Hockey Team will be in India for the Asia Cup and the recent volleyball game between India and Pakistan.

However, they have apologized to every fan and Indian cricket legends for any discomfort caused to them owing to their decision. The brand value has also been largely affected.

Dear all , pic.twitter.com/ViIlA3ZrLl

— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 19, 2025

India are the defending champions of WCL

Indian Legends are the first champions of the World Championship of Legends, which was inaugurated last year in 2024. The Men in Blue greats played their last season's final against arch-rivals Pakistan Legends and went on to claim their maiden title.

This time around, they will enter the multi-team Legends Championship as the defending champions, while Yuvraj Singh remains the skipper of the side.

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