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The World Championship of Legends (WCL) returned with its second edition last week, with hosts, England Champions taking on Pakistan Champions in the opening match. However, the defending champions, India, were set to kickstart their campaign in a much-awaited clash against the Pakistan Champions on Sunday, July 20, but the match was called off after players, including Shikhar Dhawan, and others decided to pull out of the match.
The former India opener went out loud on social media, standing by his decision to not play against Pakistan, followed by several other players also joining him in the stand, including the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf and Irfan Pathan. “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,” he wrote.
India backed out...: Pakistan Champions refuse to share points with India Champions after match call-off controversy
As a result of players’ withdrawal, the WCL organisers called off this match with both teams sharing a point each. But recently, the Pakistan Champions opened up on their stance, refusing to share points while claiming that it was India’s decision to back out. However, the WCL informed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) of their inability to host the match while clarifying that it wasn’t influenced by the Indian team.
WCL sources told ANI, as quoted by Times Now, "WCL have conveyed to England and Wales Cricket Board that they, as organisers, were not able to conduct this match. The India Champions team are not at fault. Pakistan Champions team are not willing to share points because they are saying that it is India who backed out, not them."
Although, the Pakistan Champions have asserted that the match was abandoned due to the Indian side’s withdrawal and have stood up, refraining from sharing points. Speaking of the WCL 2025 standings, Pakistan Champions are comfortably sitting at the top place with three points from two games. India, who are yet to open their campaign, are fourth with a solitary point. The Men in Blue will take the field on Tuesday, July 22 as they lock horns against South Africa Champions at the County ground in Northampton.
