Rain Threat Looms Over India-Pakistan Legends Clash

BIRMINGHAM: The highly anticipated India-Pakistan Champions face-off at Edgbaston on Sunday in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 might be impacted by rainfall.

Weather forecasts suggest predominantly cloudy conditions with sporadic showers anticipated during the morning hours on the day of the match.

The temperature is expected to remain steady around 22°C, with a RealFeel of 22°C under sunlight and a slightly cooler 20°C in shaded areas. Southerly winds will be present at a speed of 15 km/h, with the possibility of gusts reaching 39 km/h.

There is a significant 90% likelihood of precipitation, estimated at approximately 7.4 mm over a two-hour duration. Moreover, there is a 20% chance of thunderstorms.

Cloud cover is predicted to be substantial, reaching 93%, potentially creating subdued conditions on the field. The UV index, however, will remain at a moderate level of 3.

Adding to the anticipation, reports indicate that five prominent Indian players have reportedly warned the tournament organizers that they will withdraw from the competition if Shahid Afridi is part of the Pakistan squad or is present at the ground.

Reportedly, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan have strongly objected to Afridi’s inclusion, citing his past statements against India.

Sources indicate that Harbhajan and Yusuf, who have links to Indian political circles, have adopted a particularly resolute stance.

Recent social media exchanges between Afridi, Yuvraj, and Dhawan have exacerbated tensions ahead of the highly anticipated match.

On the field, the Pakistan Champions, guided by Mohammad Hafeez, enter the game with positive momentum after securing a five-run victory over the England Champions in their opening match. Sohail Khan’s composed final over was instrumental in defending a target of 161.

The two teams previously clashed during the inaugural WCL in 2024. Pakistan emerged victorious in the league stage with a commanding 68-run win, fueled by impressive half-centuries from Kamran Akmal (77), Sharjeel Khan (72), and Shoaib Malik (51).

However, India Champions ultimately secured the trophy, triumphing by five wickets in the final, propelled by Ambati Rayudu’s pivotal half-century and Anureet Singh’s contribution of three wickets.

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.