The highly anticipated match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 was abruptly called off, and what followed was a storm of controversy. While the cancellation itself stirred a major reaction from fans, former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi added fuel to the fire by publicly criticising ex-India opener Shikhar Dhawan.

Afridi, in a fiery statement to the media, indirectly referred to Dhawan as a “rotten egg” who had spoiled the spirit of the game and influenced other Indian players to pull out. This came after reports emerged that Indian cricketers including Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan were hesitant to participate in the match against Pakistan following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed several innocent lives.

While most players chose to stay silent, Dhawan openly stated on social media that he would not participate in the match against Pakistan. His stand received widespread support across India, especially in the wake of the national sentiment after the terror attack. However, Afridi’s comments seemed to dismiss this context entirely, instead choosing to focus on the idea of sports diplomacy.

“Sports brings countries closer. If politics comes between everything, then how will you move forward? Without communication, things cannot be solved. The idea for these kinds of events is also to meet one on one. But you know, there is always one rotten egg, which spoils everything,” Afridi said during a press conference in Birmingham.

Afridi further accused Dhawan of being an embarrassment to the nation and alleged that the rest of the Indian team was disappointed that the game had been scrapped. “They trained a day before the match. I think that they pulled out just because of one guy. Even the Indian team is very disappointed. They were here to play,” he claimed.

These statements were not taken lightly. Netizens and fans on both sides of the border jumped into the debate, but Dhawan remained unfazed. In fact, he had already responded earlier this year to Afridi’s controversial comments made after the Pahalgam attack, where Afridi shockingly insinuated that the Indian government orchestrated attacks on its own people and criticised the Indian Army.

Dhawan’s reply at the time was sharp and patriotic. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge, bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind.”

Dhawan’s statement was lauded across India, with several public figures praising his courage and sense of national duty.

The whole incident has reignited the debate on whether cricket should be played between India and Pakistan during times of political or national unrest. While sports have traditionally served as a platform for unity, many believe that such engagements must be paused when national security and sentiments are at stake.

Cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have long been marred by political tensions and tragic events. From Kargil to the Mumbai attacks, and now Pahalgam, every crisis further complicates the possibility of normalising sports relations between the two nations. Though the WCL is an exhibition tournament and not officially part of ICC events, the sentiments remain strong.

As the controversy unfolds, one thing is clear—cricket, especially between India and Pakistan, is never just a game. It is a reflection of broader social, political, and emotional dynamics. While Afridi champions sports diplomacy, the question remains whether such a stance is appropriate during times of national mourning and tension.

Dhawan’s principled stand, regardless of public opinion, highlights the dilemma many athletes face when politics and patriotism collide with sportsmanship. The WCL 2025 may have lost a game, but it has opened up a much-needed conversation on where to draw the line.

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