The fiery clash between two of cricket’s most storied rivals—India and Pakistan—was called off in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, and reactions haven’t stopped pouring in since.
Originally slated for July 20 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, this highly anticipated showdown never made it to the pitch. Why? A swell of criticism, protests online, and fallout from a recent terror attack in Pahalgam led fans and former players to demand the match not go ahead. Let’s unpack what happened, what officials are saying, and what it could mean for the remainder of the WCL tournament.
Timeline of Events
- Early July: Schedule confirmed — India to face Pakistan on July 20.
- Mid-July: Public backlash intensifies due to the Pahalgam terror attack.
- July 18-19: Major Indian legends like Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan withdraw from the match.
- July 20: Match officially cancelled.
While fans were disappointed, most seemed to understand the sentiment motivating the decision. Emotions were high. The crowd’s voice had influence. Organisers listened, and the match was scrapped.
Official Statements
The fallout left fans wondering if the Pakistan Champions would continue in the tournament. Speaking to media, Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan tried to bring back some calm. “All the remaining matches are taking place. The tournament is going on as per schedule, and there are no changes,” he said, as quoted by GeoNews.
That gives us a clear sense that WCL 2025 isn’t being derailed completely, just redirected around a highly sensitive clash.
“As for the semifinals and final, we’re currently saying that if we make it to the semifinals, there will be four teams, and we will avoid matches between the two teams,” said Khan, referring to the possibility of facing India again.
Interestingly, when asked what would happen if both teams make it to the final, he paused. “If we reach the final, then the decisions regarding that will be made then,” he added—a response that left a lot unsaid.
Community Response
Cricket fans don’t take India vs Pakistan matches lightly. But after the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, many felt a sporting event between the two nations would be inappropriate. Social media lit up with calls to boycott the match entirely. Some users urged player withdrawals, others said the timing was just too wrong.
Perhaps the strongest signal came when veteran players like Shikhar Dhawan and Irfan Pathan decided to sit out. Dhawan, in particular, stated that he had communicated his stance as early as May 11—well before public outrage gained momentum.
Ultimately, organisers stated that scheduling the match was initially seen as unproblematic, especially since a Pakistani hockey team was already slated for a visit to India. But the tone shifted quickly, and pressure mounted until cancellation became the only viable option.
Point Controversy: Who Benefits?
So, what about points in the tournament standings? Kamil Khan made it clear: “And as for this match, the two points will be awarded to us, and we deserve those points as per the rules.” That’s a bold claim, and while no one has officially disputed it yet, it could put pressure on tournament organizers to maintain transparency moving forward.
This leads to another question—does handing points to Pakistan set a precedent? Can cancelled fixtures that are politically or emotionally charged now translate to automatic wins for the non-Indian side? Or will each case be re-evaluated?
WCL 2025 So Far
The tournament kicked off earlier in July with Pakistan taking on England Champions in the opener. No issues there. Fans came, watched, cheered. It was entertaining—competitive cricket and retired legends reigniting old rivalries. The first season, after all, had ended with India lifting the trophy over Pakistan in a nail-biting final.
So while this edition is seeing some hiccups, the cricket itself hasn’t lost its charm. Teams like Australia, South Africa, and West Indies Champions are still in the mix, and excitement is gradually building toward the Grand Final scheduled for August 2, 2025.
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to the knockout stages. Organisers must carefully navigate potential matchups. If the semi-final bracket naturally steers India toward Pakistan, will the schedule be altered? If both teams reach the final, will someone be forced to back down—or will tempers have cooled by then?
Kamil Khan left that door wide open: “If we reach the final… decisions will be made then.”
It sounds uncertain—and possibly problematic. The WCL is still new, still testing its identity. There’s a learning curve here, without question. Handling political sensitivities while delivering entertainment and fair play isn’t simple.
In the short term, one thing’s clear: no India-Pakistan matches are on the cards, at least not until the tournament ends or a complete rethink happens behind the scenes.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- India vs Pakistan match at WCL 2025 cancelled due to public pressure post-Pahalgam attack
- Several Indian cricketers withdrew from the fixture, citing personal and moral reasons
- Paksitan Champions remain in the tournament and are awarded two points
- Tournament to continue without schedule changes—for now
- Semi-final and final matchups between India and Pakistan will be “avoided”
You could argue this was the right thing to do under the circumstances. Or you may feel sport should stay independent of politics. Either way, this turn of events has added a strange dimension to the WCL 2025. Where we go from here is anybody’s guess.
