India-Pak Clash at Legends Championship Cancelled After Indian Players Withdraw

In its statement, WCL said it had announced the India-Pakistan fixture after a recent volleyball match between the two countries, intending to create happy memories for fans. However, the tournament acknowledged that the decision may have hurt the feelings of many and caused discomfort to the Indian legends. In light of this, the fixture has been cancelled. WCL further apologised for any distress caused.

Earlier, several Indian players, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, had informed the media that they would not be participating in the India-Pakistan game. Sources suggest that other players in the Indian line-up have also taken a similar stance.

In a post on X, Dhawan shared an email addressed to the tournament organisers, stating that the decision to not play against Pakistan had been communicated on May 11. The email cited the current geopolitical situation as the reason. Dhawan wrote in his post, “Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota.” (I stand by the decision I took on May 11. My country is everything to me, and nothing is bigger than the country.)

One of the tournament sponsors, travel-tech portal EaseMyTrip, also released an official statement regarding its sponsorship of the WCL. The company clarified that although it had entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement with WCL two years ago, it would not associate with or participate in any match involving Pakistan.

EaseMyTrip emphasised that its position has always been clear. The platform supports the India Champions and stands firmly by the team but does not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan.

Reaffirming its commitment to Team India, EaseMyTrip expressed its desire to see the cup brought home. On Sunday, in a post on X, the company stated, “Despite entering into a 5-year sponsorship agreement with the World Championship of Legends (WCL) two years ago, our stance has always been clear—EaseMyTrip will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan. We proudly continue to support the India Champions and stand firmly by our team. However, as a matter of principle, we do not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan. This position was communicated unambiguously to the WCL team from the beginning. EaseMyTrip supports Team India, but will not engage in any match featuring Pakistan. Let’s bring the cup home. Bharat First. Always.”

Scheduled to be held from July 18 to August 2 across Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester, and Leeds, WCL 2025 brings together cricketing heroes of the past in a summer spectacle sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).