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The highly anticipated WCL 2025 clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was cancelled after Indian players refused to play against Shahid Afridi.
According to tournament officials, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Shikhar Dhawan informed the organisers that they would not play if Afridi was in Pakistan’s lineup. “If Afridi plays, we shall not,” they reportedly said.
The match was scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in Birmingham, with a packed stadium expected. Following the cancellation, the organisers confirmed that all remaining matches will continue as planned.
The unexpected decision triggered a wave of anger and confusion among fans worldwide, who took to social media to express their disappointment.
One frustrated fan asked, “What will happen if both teams face each other in the semifinals or final?”
Another wrote, “Embarrassing from the organisers. Indians being cowards as always.”
A third said, “If India can play Pakistan in other sports, why not cricket? But perhaps India should stop all engagement with Pakistan instead of making selective boycotts.”
Another fan questioned, “Why didn’t you guys give Pakistan a walkover instead of cancelling the match?”
One comment criticized Indian team on social media and wrote, “Poor sportsmanship from Indian players, bringing domestic politics into cricket. This sets a dangerous precedent.”
WCL officials have assured that ticket holders will receive full refunds for the cancelled match and advised them not to attend Sunday’s rescheduled fixture between the same teams.
