Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma's closest teammate confirms India vs Pakistan boycott after Asia Cup schedule announcement

Shikhar Dhawan has broken his silence on whether he would feature in a semifinal clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions if both teams qualify in the World Championship of Legends. Dhawan's comments come days after the league match between the two archrivals was called off.

India Champions were scheduled to take on Pakistan Champions last Sunday at Edgbaston. However, the game was called off after multiple Indian players withdrew from the fixture. They cited political tensions as the reason for pulling out of the match, following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

Shikhar Dhawan Breaks Silence on Facing Pakistan Champions Again

The match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was cancelled following widespread criticism on social media. In response, the organizers issued an apology to the Indian team, adding that they had "unintentionally caused discomfort" by scheduling the fixture.

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After the Men in Blue suffered a defeat to Australia, Shikhar Dhawan was asked whether he would participate if the two arch-rivals were to meet in the semifinal. Dhawan said that he didn’t play the league game and wouldn’t change his decision now.

"You're asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn't have asked it. And even if I didn't play earlier, I still won't play now," Dhawan was quoted by Geo News.

India’s Chances of Facing Pakistan in WCL Knockouts Unlikely

The Men in Blues' chances of meeting Pakistan in the knockout stage of the World Championship of Legends appear slim at the moment. To stay in contention, they must win both of their remaining group matches against England and the West Indies.

The defending champions are currently at the bottom of the table, winless after three games and having suffered two defeats.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are second on the points table after securing three consecutive victories. They are scheduled to play their final league match against Australia, and their semifinal spot is all but confirmed unless results take a dramatic turn.

Shikhar Dhawan’s Heroics in Vain as Australia Beat India Champions in Last-Over Thriller

India Champions posted a total of 203/4 after being put in to bat by Australia Champions. Shikhar Dhawan scored an unbeaten 91 off 60 balls, including 12 fours and a six. Yusuf Pathan added 52 runs off just 23 deliveries, including four sixes and three fours, to push India past the 200-run mark.

Australia secured the victory by four wickets with just one ball to spare. Chasing 204, they were in trouble at 65/4 in the eighth over, losing Shaun Marsh (11), Chris Lynn (25), and Ben Dunk (0) cheaply.

However, Callum Ferguson turned the game around with a match-winning unbeaten 70 from 38 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes.

Dan Christian also chipped in with 39 off 25 balls, including 5 boundaries and a six. Piyush Chawla picked up 3 wickets, while Harbhajan Singh and Vinay Kumar took two and one, respectively.

Also read: Watch: Jasprit Bumrah castles Liam Dawson with an unplayable delivery on Day 4 of Manchester Test