India-Pakistan WCL Match Faces Uncertainty Due to Player Objections

The upcoming World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 clash between India and Pakistan is in jeopardy as several key Indian players have expressed reservations regarding the presence of former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

These players have stipulated that they will not participate in the match if Afridi is included in the Pakistan squad or is even present at the stadium.

Key Players Object to Afridi’s Presence

The highly anticipated WCL match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Sunday in Birmingham. However, the participation of crucial Indian players is uncertain due to their objections.

Sources reveal that former Indian all-rounders Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj Singh, along with veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh, and former opener Shikhar Dhawan, have voiced strong disapproval of Afridi’s presence. They have formally communicated this stance to the tournament organizers.

Players’ Stance
  • Irfan Pathan
  • Yusuf Pathan
  • Yuvraj Singh
  • Harbhajan Singh
  • Shikhar Dhawan

Reports indicate that Harbhajan Singh and Yusuf Pathan have already withdrawn from the match, citing ongoing political tensions and public sentiment.

This action follows increasing calls within India to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan, influenced by strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.

It is understood that Harbhajan and Yusuf, who maintain close connections with Indian political circles, were particularly firm in their decision not to play under the existing circumstances.

India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series for over a decade.

The situation has escalated following reports that the current Indian team head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has publicly supported a complete cricketing boycott of Pakistan.

Furthermore, India Champions captain Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan have previously engaged in verbal disputes with the former Pakistani captain on social media regarding his past remarks.

Pakistan Champions, under the leadership of Mohammad Hafeez, secured a narrow five-run victory against the England Champions in their WCL 2025 opener.

England, chasing a target of 161, were limited to 155-3 in 20 overs, thanks to a strong final over by Sohail Khan, who successfully defended 16 runs, conceding only 10 to seal the win.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025: Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Sharjeel Khan, Fawad Alam, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer, Asif Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Rumman Raees, Amir Yamin and Sohail Khan.

India Champions squad for WCL 2025: Yuvraj Singh (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Stuart Binny, Gurkeerat Maan, Vinay Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Varun Aaron, Abhimanyu Mithun, and Pawan Negi.