Fresh drama has hit the World Championship of Legends (WCL) as the planned showdown between the India Champions and Pakistan Champions has suddenly been cancelled in Birmingham. The controversy came after the India Champions cancelled the fixture due to strained relations between the two nations. Tournament officials consequently had to cancel the match, leading to a disagreement between the two sides.
A report by news agency ANI indicates that some top Indian players – captain Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan – opted out. Their move comes after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent initiation of India’s Operation Sindoor. All these incidents have added to the diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In turn, the WCL issued a statement apologising for “unintentionally causing discomfort” to the Indian contingent, affirming that the match could not proceed.
“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.” WCL sources told ANI.
In the meantime, there is growing discontent in the Pakistan camp. Initially informed that the points would be shared as a result of the cancellation, the Pakistan Champions have strongly protested the decision. They argue that since India withdrew from the match, they deserve the two full points. Team owner Kamil Khan stated that Pakistan deserved the points because they were willing to play.
“If we reach the final, then the decisions regarding that will be made then. And as for this match, the two points will be awarded to us, and we deserve those points as per the rules,” he said.
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According to a report by ANI, WCL officials have since updated the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on the reasons for the no-show. Pakistan, who were the runners-up in the last edition of the tournament, started their current campaign with a five-run victory over England. They next play South Africa on Friday, while the India Champions will now start their tournament against the same South African team on Tuesday.
