The India vs Pakistan match in the group stage of the ‘World Championship of Legends’ (WCL) competition was called off due to the Pahelgam incident. The decision was taken after several Indian cricketers were withdrawn.
This time, the two arch-rivals are facing each other in the semi-finals. There are questions about whether that match will take place or not. In the meantime, an Indian sponsoring organization has withdrawn itself in opposition to the match.
India finished fourth in the group stage after defeating the West Indies. One win, three losses and one match was cancelled. Pakistan finished top of the group. They won four matches. One match was cancelled. According to the competition format, the first and fourth-placed teams will play the semi-finals. Accordingly, the match between India and Pakistan has been decided. However, that match is now uncertain.
There was also a lot of drama over the distribution of points in the group stage match. India was happy with one point due to the cancellation of the match, but Pakistan objected. The organizers told news agency ANI, “The England board was informed in advance that the India-Pakistan match will not take place. India did not object to the Champions Points. But Pakistan does not agree to the sharing of Champions Points. Their statement is that the match was cancelled due to India’s objection. They are not responsible. So why shouldn’t they get full points?” Although in the end, both teams were given one point.
Former cricketers from both countries also had a heated argument. Shahid Afridi targeted Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan was the most vocal about not wanting to play against Pakistan. He said on social media that he would not play this match. They also wrote a letter to the organizers to cancel the match.
Dhawan also posted that letter on social media. Then the organizers informed that this match was not happening. Before that, however, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan and Yusuf Pathan had said that they would not play against Pakistan. But they did not give a strong response like Dhawan.
Meanwhile, although the two teams did not face each other in the former league, the two arch-rivals have been placed in the same group in the upcoming Asia Cup schedule. There is a possibility that they will face each other more than once.
FAQ
Why is the India vs Pakistan WCL semi-final match in doubt?
The match is uncertain due to the aftermath of the Pahelgam incident, player boycotts from the Indian team, and a major Indian sponsor pulling out in protest.
What was the Pahelgam incident?
The Pahelgam incident refers to a politically sensitive issue that led several Indian players to withdraw from a group-stage match against Pakistan, which was eventually called off.
Which Indian players have refused to play against Pakistan?
Notable players like Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and the Pathan brothers (Irfan and Yusuf) reportedly refused to play. Dhawan was the most vocal and even published a letter demanding the match be canceled.
What was the controversy around the group stage match between India and Pakistan?
India was content with sharing points after the match was canceled. However, Pakistan objected, claiming they should get full points since the match was not canceled due to their fault.
