The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has hit a major snag. Reports suggest that five Indian players have refused to participate if Shahid Afridi features in the Pakistan lineup. The development has raised uncertainty around the high-profile clash scheduled for Sunday in Birmingham.
According to TelecomAsia.net, the players who have opted out are Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Harbhajan Singh. All five have reportedly informed WCL organisers of their stance, citing Afridi’s past remarks and public appearances in support of Pakistan’s military.
Tensions Rise Over India-Pakistan Fixture
Shahid Afridi, a former Pakistan captain, has long been a controversial figure in India. His past comments on Kashmir, visits to military sites, and confrontational social media exchanges with Indian players have caused repeated uproars. His inclusion in the Pakistan squad has now reignited those tensions.
The match was already drawing attention, being the first India vs Pakistan cricket face-off since the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which left 26 people dead. India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Fans and analysts questioned the timing of the game amid the strained atmosphere between the two countries.
Despite the uproar, WCL organisers denied any confirmed boycott. Speaking to TelecomAsia, a tournament representative stated, “All matches were scheduled with consent from teams. The India-Pakistan game is sold out. As far as we know, the game is still on.”
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India Legends won the inaugural WCL tournament, defeating Pakistan in the final. Interestingly, Afridi and the same five Indian players involved in the current dispute were part of that edition.
As things stand, the fate of the India-Pakistan WCL 2025 clash remains uncertain, with cricket fans waiting to see whether the players’ refusal leads to lineup changes or a bigger standoff.
