Shahid Afridi has spoken out following the dramatic cancellation of the highly anticipated World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between Pakistan and India, revealing he offered to take himself out of the game if his presence was the cause of India’s withdrawal.
The marquee fixture, which was scheduled as the highlight of the WCL 2025, was cancelled on the day of the game after India’s players refused to take the field. The motivation behind their withdrawal is believed to be the political sensitivities and off-field tensions—this time in the context of retired cricketers. While things have always been heated between the two countries, 2025 is the year when they went to a near full-scale war, affecting sporting events as well.
Shikhar Dhawan and Shahid Afridi had exchanged barbs on social media during the escalation and this match would have been the first time the two squared off since the incident. Many believe it was Afridi’s presence which caused Dhawan and four others to pull-out of the game.
Speaking to reporters after the abandoned game, Afridi made his stance clear: if his inclusion had been a sticking point, he would have willingly stepped aside to ensure the contest went ahead.
“If they did not play because of me, I would have stayed at home,” Shahid Afridi said bluntly. “Cricket should have continued. Who am I in front of cricket? No one. If they did not want to play, why did they come here? They should have sat at home and played between themselves.”
Shahid Afridi’s comments underline the frustration felt by fans and organizers alike, who had eagerly anticipated a nostalgic yet competitive showdown between the two arch-rivals.
Afridi, a figure never far from headlines in either country, has often used his platform to advocate for cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, even amid political strains. His willingness to step aside to protect the sanctity of the sport will likely strike a chord with fans, especially those disheartened by yet another missed opportunity for cricket to rise above politics.
“We believe cricket should rise above and transcend political differences,” read a statement on the Pakistan Champions’ official social media page, echoing Shahid Afridi’s sentiments.
For now, the World Championship of Legends moves on without its most awaited fixture, leaving behind a swirl of questions and disappointment. The organisers managed to save face in the group fixture but what happens if both make the final is yet to be answered.
But Afridi’s words have made one thing clear: to him, the game has always been bigger than any one individual, including himself. Pakistan Champions continue to lead the WCL 2025 table, with their next game scheduled against South Africa on July 25.