Birmingham – In a major controversy during the World Championship of Legends, India has refused to play against Pakistan in the semi-final, once again showcasing political tensions overshadowing sportsmanship.
The match, scheduled to take place in Birmingham, saw the Indian team pull out just before the game, leading to Pakistan’s automatic qualification for the final.
This is not the first time India has withdrawn from a match against Pakistan in this tournament. Earlier in the group stage, India had already boycotted their scheduled match with Pakistan, which resulted in a walkover victory for the Pakistani side.
Top Players Refuse Participation
According to Indian media reports, five prominent players—Yuvraj Singh (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan—refused to play the semi-final. However, Shahid Afridi later claimed that Yuvraj Singh actually wanted to play against Pakistan, adding a new twist to the controversy.
Their continued refusal has sparked global criticism, with many calling it a violation of the spirit of the game.
Mixed Signals from BCCI
Ironically, during a recent Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the BCCI had assured full participation in all scheduled matches. However, following the meeting, pressure from Indian media, politicians, and former cricketers reportedly influenced the players’ decision to withdraw.
This contradiction between official commitments and actual actions has raised eyebrows in the international cricket community.
Cricket or Politics?
The World Championship of Legends aims to revive old cricketing rivalries and celebrate the legacy of retired cricket stars. With legends from across the world participating, the tournament’s purpose is to promote goodwill and unity through sport.
India’s repeated refusal to play against Pakistan has brought politics into the arena, drawing widespread criticism. Despite this setback, Pakistan’s qualification for the final marks a proud achievement and a valuable opportunity for the nation on the global cricketing stage.
