India-Pakistan WCL match called off: Pakistan Champions says India backed out, denies point share
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The much-anticipated Legends clash between India and Pakistan in the ongoing World Champions of Legends (WCL) tournament has officially been called off. The fixture, scheduled to be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, was cancelled after the organisers informed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of their inability to host the match, clearly stating that the Indian team bore no responsibility for the cancellation.The WCL issued an official statement on Monday confirming the cancellation, with insiders revealing that several former Indian cricketers, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, had declined to participate due to prevailing geopolitical tensions. Their refusal follows the tragic terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, which has further strained diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan.According to WCL sources, the Pakistan Champions team has expressed reluctance to share points with their Indian counterparts, arguing that India's withdrawal led to the cancellation. A WCL official told ANI, 'We have informed the ECB that the match could not be conducted due to organisational reasons. The India Champions are not at fault. However, the Pakistan Champions are not willing to share points, claiming that India backed out.'Shikhar Dhawan, one of the prominent players to opt out, shared his stance on social media platform X, attaching a copy of an email sent to WCL organisers on May 11. The email cited the geopolitical situation as the reason for the team's withdrawal. Dhawan wrote in Hindi, '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,' meaning, 'I stand by the decision I took on May 11. My country means everything to me, and nothing is greater than the nation.'Several other members of the India Champions squad have reportedly taken a similar stand, opting not to participate in solidarity.In the previous edition of the WCL, India Champions had triumphed over Pakistan Champions in the final, chasing down 157 with ease to clinch a five-wicket victory.[With TOI inputs]
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