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.”

Read more: Shaheen Afridi Melts Hearts With Adorable Video of Son Aliyaar’s First Steps

Humaira Asghar’s tragic death and its horrific details have deeply grieved the nation. Pakistanis are now demanding a free and fair investigation into the incident. Many Pakistani celebrities have raised their voices for Humaira Asghar, while her family has actively given interviews to local digital media platforms.

Lately, Humaira Asghar’s brother spoke with Lahore-based YouTuber Ali Hamza and expressed his suspicions about her death. He urged the authorities to investigate the landlord, her colleagues from recent projects, and her travel history.

Talking about it, Naveed Asghar said, “In my opinion, it should be properly investigated. The landlord’s data should be collected, his CDR should be obtained, and it should be investigated how long he has been residing in Karachi and whether he has any links in Lahore as well.”

Naveed also said, “Investigation officers have informed me that the back door was open when they entered. The terrace was continuously open, which is why the smell didn’t spread in the front area it was a pre-planned murder. They did it with proper planning.”

He further added, “I also want to request the authorities to investigate her travel history,y whether she used to travel alone or with anyon,e because we are 90 % sure that it was a murder.”

He also requested the authorities to investigate her colleagues at her last projects. He further added, ”I don’t know why her colleagues aren’t giving proper information, are they afraid of someone? They should cooperate in this regard if they are clear regarding everything. It should be checked properly.”

What’s It Like Reuniting with a Co-Star After 28 Years? For Tazeen Hussain, It Feels Like No Time Has Passed at All

When Tazeen Hussain reunited with fellow actor Faisal Rehman after 28 years, she picked up right where they left off—as if no time had passed.

“It didn’t feel like 28 years. It felt like 28 minutes—or even 28 seconds!” she recalled, referring to her onscreen husband in Qarze Jaan (2024), during a resurfaced clip from The Rafay Mahmood Podcast. Longtime fans of Pakistani television may remember their first pairing in Shahpar (1997), but for Tazeen, the decades in between haven’t changed a thing.

“Faisal hasn’t changed much—and he told me I haven’t either!” she added. “He’s a riot to work with. That’s how it was back then, and that’s exactly how it is now.”

Tazeen praised Faisal’s spontaneous energy on set, crediting his knack for improvisation. “A lot of our scenes involved improv. He’s amazing at it,” she explained.

She also pointed out Faisal’s playful tendency to tweak scenes without warning. “He’s very clever!” she laughed. “He knows if he tells me what he’s planning, I won’t agree. So he just does it on camera!”

Despite the surprises, Tazeen said their chemistry allows her to respond with instinct. “My reactions to him are totally natural,” she admitted.

Reflecting on one particularly challenging scene—her wedding night sequence in Qarze Jaan—Tazeen revealed how Faisal’s presence helped her stay grounded. “I was so stressed and told [director] Saqib [Khan] I couldn’t do it. But Faisal calmed me down, and the scene turned out beautifully. It worked because he was with me. Having that level of comfort with your co-actor makes all the difference.”

Tazeen praised Faisal for fostering a respectful, relaxed environment on set. “He respects all his co-stars, whether they’re new or experienced,” she said. “And he owns what he does—he’s totally shameless and unapologetic about it. That’s what makes him who he is.”

Also Read: Tazeen Hussain Starts a New Chapter with Her Marriage