Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan have reportedly withdrawn from the scheduled India vs Pakistan cricket match in the World Championship of Legends 2025 tournament. Their decision apparently stems from concerns about national sentiment, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Organisers and players have not yet issued official confirmation.
Social Media Backlash Prompts Player Withdrawals
Multiple media houses on Saturday reported these withdrawals, with suggestions of more player pull-outs. Sunday's IND vs PAK match at Edgbaston in Birmingham generated extensive social media criticism. Many users questioned the presence of Indian legends, including Irfan Pathan, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, playing matches against Pakistani counterparts.
This concern particularly ignited after the Pahalgam attack. Online sentiment shows deep public unease, directly targeting India-Pakistan cricketing encounters. Some critics accuse celebrities of 'ignoring' national sentiment, a message resonating strongly among citizens.
Pahalgam Attack Fuels Tensions; Afridi Remarks Draw Rebukes
The Indian cricketers' decision follows mounting tensions. The Pahalgam terror attack caused these tensions and reignited sensitivities about sporting events involving Pakistan. In April 2025, Shahid Afridi made controversial remarks and held public celebrations on social media, criticising Indian leadership.
This sparked a strong response from Indian players and fans. Notably, Shikhar Dhawan issued a public retort, expressly emphasising pride in the Indian Army and invoking nationalistic sentiments.
Legends Tournament Navigates Geopolitical Challenges
The World Championship of Legends 2025, now in its second edition, features former stars from cricketing nations including India, Pakistan, England, the West Indies, South Africa, and Australia.
The India Champions vs Pakistan Champions contest, billed as a marquee fixture, is scheduled for July 20, 2025, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The tournament aims to celebrate legendary players and offer cricketing nostalgia, but recent developments have overshadowed its sporting ambitions.
Despite the reported withdrawals, the World Championship of Legends will continue to feature a star-studded line-up. These names include AB de Villiers, Shikhar Dhawan, Brett Lee, Eoin Morgan, Dwayne Smith, and Shahid Afridi.
Organisers position matches as high-profile, nostalgia-driven events, attracting global attention and generating significant discussion within the cricketing community. However, political sensitivities complicate the tournament’s reception, especially for India vs Pakistan fixtures.
Reports of player withdrawals emerged on the eve of the match, adding to a long history where geopolitical developments frequently impact the sporting relationship between the nuclear-armed nations.
