Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has officially withdrawn from the upcoming WCL 2025 match against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
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His decision follows rising backlash on social media after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Shikhar Dhawan Confirms Exit: Shares Official Communication on Social Media
Dhawan shared his formal withdrawal confirmation via social platform X (formerly Twitter). He posted a screenshot of the email his team sent to tournament organizers, dated May 11, 2025.
“Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not participate in any matches against Pakistan in WCL,” the mail said.
“This decision was shared earlier during our phone and WhatsApp discussions on May 11,” it added.
Dhawan captioned the image with a powerful message:
“Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota.”
This public stance has further intensified the controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan WCL 2025 match.
India vs Pakistan WCL Match Under Cloud After Pahalgam Attack
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions is now in doubt. The game is facing public criticism following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which targeted Indian civilians and tourists.
India and Pakistan do not play bilateral series, and current political tensions have deepened mistrust between the nations.
Calls for boycotting the match have grown louder, especially from fans and ex-servicemen groups.
Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan Also Opt Out
According to sources from RevSportz, other former Indian cricketers have followed Dhawan’s lead. These include Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan.
All three have reportedly informed the organizers of their non-participation against Pakistan.
With more Indian legends stepping away, the WCL organizers may have to reconsider the fixture.
WCL Is a Private Tournament; BCCI Has No Control Over Participation
It’s important to note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no involvement in WCL. The tournament is a privately organized league for retired cricketers.
Participation decisions are individual and not influenced by Indian cricket authorities.
Despite that, national sentiment and recent events have heavily impacted player decisions.
Afridi Leads Pakistan Champions; Faces Backlash for Anti-India Remarks
The Pakistan Champions team is being led by former captain Shahid Afridi. Earlier this year, Afridi made controversial remarks about the Indian Army in response to the Pahalgam attack.
In retaliation, Shikhar Dhawan slammed Afridi online, criticizing him for his “insensitive and derogatory” comments.
Afridi’s remarks were also condemned by his former teammate, Danish Kaneria, who called them “irresponsible and provocative.”
Social Media Campaigns Urge More Players to Withdraw
Online platforms have seen an upsurge in appeals urging Indian cricketers to boycott the match. Fans are sharing messages of support for Dhawan and others who’ve taken a stand for national sentiment.
Hashtags like #NoMatchWithPakistan, #BoycottWCL, and #StandWithIndia have been trending since Dhawan’s post.
Dhawan’s Statement Reflects Strong National Sentiment
By sharing the official email, Dhawan made it clear that his decision was pre-planned. His timing, just before the match, aligns with increased national anger post-terror attack.
His message has drawn praise from fans, ex-army officials, and even politicians for “putting country before cricket.”
Will the Match Go Ahead?
At this point, uncertainty looms large over the Edgbaston fixture. With top Indian players pulling out, organizers may postpone or rework the game.
Sources suggest a final decision will be made hours before the scheduled start.
Security arrangements and crowd reactions will also be key factors in determining the next step.
WCL Organizers Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of now, the WCL organizers have not released a formal update on the status of the match. The pressure is mounting as more cricketers withdraw and public criticism intensifies.
Whether they choose to continue with replacements, cancel the fixture, or reschedule, remains to be seen.
Political and Emotional Reactions Continue Nationwide
Several public figures and retired officials have lauded Dhawan’s decision. Many call it a bold and timely move that reflects the mood of the nation.
Cricket lovers remain divided, but national sentiment is strongly leaning toward boycotting the match.
The withdrawal of multiple former Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, may force WCL organizers to rethink their schedule. In the current geopolitical climate, national sentiment is shaping the direction of even independent sporting events.
