Indian legends’ 'Nationalism' questioned for playing against Pakistan in WCL 2025

A fresh controversy erupted ahead of the India Champions’ game against Pakistan Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL 2025). The biggest cricketing rivalry is all set to be revived on July 20 when India Champions will face Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston.

As the World Championship of Legends confirmed the India-Pakistan clash on July 20, Indian cricket fans went berserk at the former players, including Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Irfan Pathan, for agreeing to play against the archrivals.

Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh face heat ahead of World Championship of Legends 2025 clash

The anger among the Indian fans was at its peak, especially due to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam sponsored by Pakistan. Later, the India-Pakistan war broke out in April-May, leading to a brief suspension of the IPL 2025. Following Operation Sindoor, fans are demanding a complete boycott of cricket matches with Pakistan in any tournament.

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After the recent Pahalgam terror attack, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi made a series of provocative social media posts targeting India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reacting to Afridi’s comments, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan slammed Shahid for his unnecessary comments.

Even Dhawan reminded him of past defeats and expressed pride in the Indian Army, urging Afridi to focus on improving his own country instead of spreading negativity. Shikhar Dhawan had posted on social media in April: "Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge? Bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!"

Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge, bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!https://t.co/5PVA34CNSe

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 28, 2025

But now, Shikhar Dhawan himself has no issue sharing the cricket field with Afridi and the Pakistan team. The India Champions squad features former players like Yuvraj Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, and Harbhajan Singh. On the other hand, the Pakistani side features Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik alongside Afridi.

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India-Pakistan clash in WCL 2025 sparks outrage among the fans

Now, fans have been questioning the former Indian cricketers’ patriotism and slamming them for taking action on social media only to change their stance for money. One fan posted, X: “Indian ex-cricketers like Harbhajan, Yuvraj & Dhawan are happily playing WCL matches vs Pakistan in a private league! But when it’s public, they scream nationalism. Why does the Govt stay silent? Is deshbhakti only for common people, not celebs? Hypocrisy much?”

Indian ex cricketers like Harbhajan, Yuvraj & Dhawan are happily playing WCL matches vs Pakistan in a private league! But when it’s public, they scream nationalism. Why does the Govt stay silent? Is deshbhakti only for common people, not celebs? Hypocrisy much? https://t.co/aelQzXKJNC

— Cricket for her (@coverdrivetoher) July 18, 2025

Another user wrote, X: “Shikhar Dhawan and Afridi did all that fake acting of patriotism in war just to play against each other again on Sunday. I am saying that again, patriotism is only for the normal public. India will also play with Pakistan in the Asia Cup too. #INDvPAK”

Shikhar Dhawan and Afridi did all that fake acting of patriotism in war just to play against each other again on Sunday. I am saying that again patriotism is only for normal public . India will also play with Pakistan in Asia cup too . #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZycCbezndG

— kirat.13_ (@kirat8513) July 18, 2025

Slamming the Indian cricket icons, one fan posted, X: “Our 🇮🇳 legends Yuvi, Harbhajan, Raina, Dhawan & Pathan bros are playing in a match featuring Afridi, representing Pakistan, the country behind the Pahalgam attacks. Is their patriotism on vacation for money? & if controversy arises later, will a simple "SORRY" to the public be enough—again?”

Our 🇮🇳 legends Yuvi, Harbhajan, Raina, Dhawan & Pathan bros r playing in match featuring Afridi, representing Pakistan, country behind the Pahalgam attacks.
Is their patriotism on vacation 4 money? & if controversy arises later, will a simple "SORRY" to the public b enough-again? https://t.co/iHpafpaF6B

— Shushant Chak (@ChakShushant) July 19, 2025

Here are a few more angry reactions from the fans on X:

@YUVSTRONG12 @ImRaina @SDhawan25 @IrfanPathan @harbhajan_singh kuch toh sharam kar lete ,itna hi paisa ka kami hai toh batado ,hum log milke chanda de denge, desh ka naam kharab mat karo in atankwadiyo ke sath khelke

— ABHI JEET (@av_basak4893) July 19, 2025

Shame on u @YUVSTRONG12 @ImRaina @BCCI @AdityaRajKaul @harbhajan_singh @SDhawan25 @JayShah @ianuragthakur

— Vijay (@vj2973) July 16, 2025

Deshbhakti sirf grib logo ke liye Amir log to pak ko apni maa bahan de de..

— Bherulal Bose🇮🇳 (@bherulal_bose) July 19, 2025

My head is down with shame . @BCCI -Is this seriously required ?

— Avishek B (@suvro_1989) July 19, 2025