The India vs Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 20 at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium, has been officially cancelled. The organisers announced the decision on social media, stating, “The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow’s match between India and Pakistan (Sunday 20th July at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend as the stadium will be closed. All ticket holders will receive a full refund.”
The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow’s match between India and Pakistan (Sunday 20th July at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend as the stadium will be closed.
— Edgbaston Stadium (@Edgbaston) July 19, 2025
All ticket holders will receive a full refund, please see below for further details. pic.twitter.com/q5A0DOg356
The cancellation comes after Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and several other players refused to take part in the match. On the eve of the game, Dhawan took to social media to reiterate his earlier decision, writing, “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.” His statement came in light of recent tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
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.
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gLCwEXcrnR
Since the WCL is a private tournament and not governed by the BCCI, players are not bound by national board decisions. As a result, individual players like Dhawan have the right to opt out based on personal or national sentiments.
