Cricket fans were left stunned as India pulled out of the much-awaited match against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, triggering widespread backlash and fierce commentary from former players—including Pakistan’s ex-captain Salman Butt, who didn’t mince his words.
The high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals, scheduled for July 20, was abruptly canceled after several former Indian stars reportedly refused to play due to rising political tensions between the two nations.
Who Refused to Play & Why Was the Match Cancelled?
According to media reports, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan were among the key Indian players who opted out of the match, citing political sensitivities. The withdrawal led to the official cancellation of the match, with both teams being awarded one point each.
The decision was met with disappointment from cricket fans worldwide, many of whom were eagerly awaiting the iconic encounter.
Salman Butt’s Bold Response: “Then Don’t Play Us in ICC Either”
Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt responded sharply to India’s move via his YouTube channel, accusing India of mixing politics with sports and calling for consistency in their stance.
“Now don’t play us in the World Cup…don’t play against us in any ICC tournament. Make this a promise,” Butt stated in a fiery video reaction.
He went further, challenging India to boycott all levels of cricket against Pakistan, including ICC events and even the Olympics, if their current decision is based on political disagreement.
“What Are You Trying to Prove?” – Butt Questions India’s Motive
Butt also questioned whether the Indian players had made the decision independently or were pressured by political forces or groupthink.
“Who made this decision? Those 4-5 people who refused to play—did everyone follow them blindly? Was it a team decision or just peer pressure?” he asked.
He criticized the broader message this sends to the global cricketing community, saying it damages the spirit of the game and disappoints millions of fans.
Background: India-Pakistan in Global Tournaments
India and Pakistan share one of the most electrifying rivalries in world cricket. However, in recent years, their bilateral relations have remained frozen, with both sides only facing each other during ICC events or multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup or World Cups.
This latest development in the WCL 2025 could set a troubling precedent for future matches between the two teams.
READ MORE: Asia Cup 2025 Likely to Commence in September
Cricket Community Reacts
While Salman Butt’s remarks stirred debate, many cricket enthusiasts—especially in Pakistan—echoed his sentiments. Social media platforms were abuzz with hashtags like:
- #BoycottHypocrisy
- #LetThemPlay
- #CricketNotPolitics
Some Indian fans also criticized their own legends for backing out of the match, arguing that sport should unite, not divide.
What’s Next for India vs Pakistan Rivalry?
If India maintains its current stance, questions arise about future face-offs in upcoming tournaments such as:
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Asia Cup 2026
- T20 World Cup 2026
Will cricket fans continue to be robbed of the sport’s greatest rivalry? Or will cooler heads prevail?
