'Didn't play before, won't play now': Shikhar Dhawan snaps at reporter over India vs Pakistan WCL question
NEW DELHI:
Shikhar Dhawan
made headlines after a tense exchange with a reporter who questioned whether the veteran batter would play if India were to meet Pakistan in the semi-finals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL).
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Dhawan, who had earlier pulled out of India's group-stage clash against Pakistan — alongside
Yuvraj Singh
,
Harbhajan Singh
, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan — was firm in his stance and visibly annoyed by the repetition of the question.
'You're asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn't have asked it. And as I didn't play earlier, I still won't play now,' Dhawan said sharply during the interaction.
The video of his blunt response has since gone viral.
Watch:
The India vs Pakistan league match had been called off amid mounting public backlash, prompting several top Indian names to withdraw. The controversy drew criticism from ex-Pakistan cricketers, including
Shahid Afridi
, who said 'one bad egg spoils it for everyone,' and Salman Butt, who challenged India to take a consistent stand across ICC events and the 2028 Olympics, where cricket will debut.
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With both India and Pakistan Champions still in contention for the knockouts, the possibility of a high-voltage semi-final remains — though Dhawan has made it clear he will not participate if that happens.
India Champions, the defending WCL title-holders, have had a rough start to their campaign. They suffered an 88-run loss to South Africa Champions, followed by a four-wicket defeat to Australia Champions.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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