Top India stars boycott WCL 2025 match vs Pakistan, furious organizers ban Shahid Afridi

The upcoming match between India and Pakistan in the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL) has received backlash from social media users. According to a report by Sports Tak, a few top Indian cricketers may opt out of the high-profile fixture, which is set to be played on July 20 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The World Championship of Legends began on July 18, featuring retired international cricketers from six nations. This is the second edition of the tournament. India had defeated Pakistan in the 2024 final. Former cricketers from England, South Africa, and Australia have also been named in their respective teams.

India Set to Face Pakistan in WCL Clash – First Match Since Operation Sindoor

India are preparing to face Pakistan in the WCL match - the first cricket fixture between the two nations since Operation Sindoor. Public outrage has erupted over the participation of former Indian cricketers in the tournament, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed innocent lives.

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In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps across the Pakistan border. With diplomatic relations severely strained, the involvement of Indian players in a match against Pakistan has sparked widespread backlash.

The controversy has been further intensified by the Indian government's move to ban several Pakistani social media accounts and YouTube channels. Amid growing calls for a complete boycott of bilateral cricket, many have condemned the decision to participate in the game.

Social Media Questions Former Indian Cricketers' Patriotic Stance

Social media users have raised concerns over the inconsistency between former Indian players’ patriotic statements and their decision to play in a private cricket league featuring Pakistan Champions.

One user expressed their criticism on Twitter: "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?"

Another social media user commented: "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."

Shahid Afridi Made Anti-India Remarks After the Pahalgam Terror Attack

Several former Indian cricketers, including Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, and Ambati Rayudu, are part of the Indian Champions squad.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi reportedly celebrated with parades in Pakistan and made controversial statements targeting India, the Indian Army, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In response, Shikhar Dhawan, who is set to play in the match, publicly condemned Afridi’s remarks on social media, expressing strong disapproval through a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“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,” wrote Dhawan.

Notably, the organisers of the World Championship of Legends 2025 have kept Shahid Afridi out of the competition.

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