Shikhar Dhawan has decided not to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends semifinals, citing tense relations between India and Pakistan.
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan stated that questions about a potential India-Pakistan clash in the World Championship of Legends are being raised at the wrong time. However, He said that since he didn’t participate in the league-stage match and chose to boycott it, he won’t play in the semi finals either.
The India Champions where suppose to play against Pakistan Champions in highly-anticipated clash at Edgbaston on Sunday, July 20.
It was also a rematch of last season’s final, where India clinched the inaugural World Championship of Legends title. However, the match was eventually cancelled following widespread backlash on social media against the Indian team, three months after the Pahalgam attack.
Shikhar Dhawan breaks silence on return for IND-PAK WCL semifinal
A week after the incident, Dhawan was questioned about the possibility of playing against Pakistan in a potential semifinal clash.
“You’re asking this question at the wrong time and place; you shouldn’t have asked it. And even if I didn’t play earlier, I still won’t play now,” Dhawan was quoted as saying by Geo News.
Shikhar Dhawan angry reply on If Pakistan reaches the semi-final against you… will you still play, or ask for a day off? 😄🇵🇰🇮🇳 #WCL25 pic.twitter.com/d96yRQpsp2
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) July 26, 2025
India might not face Pakistan unless they win their remaining matches against England and the West Indies.
India Champions are currently at the bottom
India are currently at the bottom of the points table, as they have faced two defeats out of the first three games. India champions are looking for their first victory this WCL season. Meanwhile, Pakistan is currently at the second spot after three consecutive wins.
Following the April terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India initiated a military operation targeting terror infrastructure in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Since then, relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly.
Dhawan said that he had earlier informed the World Championship of Legends organisers of his decision.”This is to formally reiterate that Mr Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This discussion was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025,” Dhawan shared a screenshot of his statement.
