Many Indian cricket players, including Shikhar Dhawan, declined to play against the Pakistani champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 match on July 20. The meeting was ultimately called off, and the organisers expressed regret for “unintentionally causing discomfort” by holding it during the political unrest between the two nations brought on by the Pahalgam terror attack and the ensuing Operation Sindoor.
A reporter questioned Shikhar Dhawan on the tournament’s sidelines about whether he would play against Pakistan if both sides advanced to the tournament’s final stages.
The former India opener informed the reporter that he shouldn’t be asking the question because he was clearly upset about it. According to Dhawan, his position has not changed.
“You’re asking the wrong question at the wrong time, brother. Do you think I’ll respond if you ask me that question? This is not the right question for you to ask. And I still won’t play if I haven’t already,” Shikhar Dhawan declared.
The entire exchange is shown below:
Shikhar Dhawan angry reply on If Pakistan reaches the semi-final against you… will you still play, or ask for a day off? 😄🇵🇰🇮🇳 #WCL25 pic.twitter.com/d96yRQpsp2
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) July 26, 2025
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.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gLCwEXcrnR
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025
Will India and Pakistan be able to play each other in the knockout stages?
With three victories from four games, Pakistan is positioned at the top of the points table and has a chance to advance to the semi-finals. On July 29, they will meet the Australia Champions in their last group-stage match.
India, however, has lost two of their first three games and is currently wallowing in the bottom of the standings. On July 27 and July 29, respectively, the reigning champions will play England and the West Indies.
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