The World Championship of heroes (WCL) has officially cancelled the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match, issuing a public apology for “hurting public sentiment” and “causing discomfort” to Indian cricket heroes.
In a formal statement, the WCL stated that the decision to organise the India-Pakistan match was inspired by a recent friendly volleyball match between the two countries, with the goal of creating positive memories for spectators. However, they confessed that the statement wounded many people’s sensibilities and created concern among Indian athletes.
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The idea has sparked tremendous opposition from Indian cricketers. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan issued a statement reiterating his decision not to play against Pakistan. He also revealed an email he sent to the WCL organisers on May 11, in which he explicitly announced his refusal to play in the match due to the current geopolitical circumstances.
Former India star Suresh Raina took a similar stance. According to sources, several more Indian luminaries quietly expressed their reservations to the organisers. Adding to the pressure, WCL sponsor EaseMyTrip issued a forceful statement distancing themselves from any match involving Pakistan.
This is not the first dispute between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor.
On May 24, at the Junior Davis Cup, a heated exchange erupted after India defeated Pakistan in the U-16 event. A video clip surfaced showing a Pakistani player being unsportsmanlikely at the post-match handshake, initially missing the Indian players before completing the handshake with a disrespectful shake-off motion.
Despite the cancelled fixture, WCL 2025, sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is set to take place from July 18 to August 2 at four locations in England: Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester, and Leeds. The competition will include retired international talents representing their respective countries.
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