When cricket fans tuned in expecting a clash of legends at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, they were instead met with disappointment—and controversy. The much-awaited India-Pakistan encounter was cancelled abruptly. Now, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has broken his silence, lashing out at Indian players for what he calls “politics overshadowing sport.”
The cancellation came amid heightened geopolitical tensions following the recent Pahalgam attacks and Operation Sindoor. Several Indian players, including Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan reportedly opted out of the game, citing public sentiment. While official confirmations were few, Shikhar Dhawan publicly shared an email with organizers declaring his withdrawal, calling it a personal decision in light of recent events.
But for Shahid Afridi, the turn of events was both disheartening and unnecessary.
“We are here to play cricket,” he told reporters, visibly frustrated. “Cricket should rise above politics. A player must act like an ambassador, not someone who becomes a source of embarrassment for their country.”
Afridi didn’t hold back. He questioned the timing of the Indian withdrawals, highlighting the fact that both teams had already arrived, trained, and prepared. “If India didn’t want to play, they should’ve said so before we all came here. What’s the point of pulling out at the last minute after everything’s been arranged?”
Addressing the elephant in the room, whether his presence was the trigger, Afridi responded with humility: “If I had even the slightest idea that my presence would lead to the match being called off, I wouldn’t have stepped onto the ground. Who is Shahid Afridi compared to cricket? Nothing. Cricket should go on; it’s bigger than all of us.”
The ex-skipper also expressed concern over the role of politics in eroding the spirit of sportsmanship. “Sport is supposed to build bridges, not burn them,” he said. “If politics keeps creeping in, how can we ever move forward? Lack of dialogue only deepens mistrust.”
Afridi acknowledged that while disagreements are inevitable, players should lead by example, especially those who once carried the hopes of millions. “We came here not just to play, but to connect, to sit together, talk, and maybe heal a few wounds. Sadly, one or two negative voices can ruin the opportunity for everyone.”
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