I love India: Brett Lee reacts to India-Pakistan champions clash cancellation
"That is a tough quesion. But the thing I'll say right is, I love India, I love Pakistan. So I hope that they can get to a discretion where they can appreciate themselves. But most importantly, we are here on a tournament. So Australia versus India versus South Africa. We are all inclusive. So what happened last night is what happened. We pushed for it," Lee, who is representing Australia Champions, told reporters in a press conference.The WCL, in its official statement, revealed that the India-Pakistan fixture was planned with the intention of fostering goodwill-drawing inspiration from a recent volleyball match between the two nations. However, the move drew backlash, particularly from the Indian contingent, prompting the organisers to cancel the match. The WCL also issued an apology for any distress or discomfort the announcement may have caused, admitting it may have misjudged the emotional climate.India Champions skipper Shikhar Dhawan later clarified that the decision not to play Pakistan had been communicated to the organisers well in advance. Sharing an email dated 11 May, Dhawan reiterated his stance in a post on X:"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."(I stand by the decision I took on 11 May. My country means everything to me, and nothing is more important than the nation.)India Champions, who lifted the WCL title last year, had beaten Pakistan in the final with a commanding five-wicket victory. Chasing 157, the Indian side delivered a powerful batting performance to seal the win and lift the trophy.- Ends
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