Tensions rose as Indian players reportedly refused to face Shahid Afridi in the WCL, leading to the cancellation of the Pakistan clash
21 July, 2025
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PHOTO: X
“Their patriotism is just for show; they run wherever the money is.”
“They said different things on TV, but now they’re ready to play with Pakistani cricketers for dollars.”
For the past two days, such messages have been flooding social media regarding former Indian cricketers. The World Championship of Legends is currently ongoing in England, featuring former stars from Pakistan, India, and other countries. Thankfully, we don’t mix politics with sports, so no one here pressured our players to refuse to play against India. But the “narrow-mindedness” of our neighbours is well known — they turned against their own players.
By Saturday night, reports emerged that five Indian cricketers had withdrawn from the match against the Pakistan Champions, particularly objecting to the participation of Shahid Afridi, who has always irked Indians due to his patriotism and outspoken nature. The tournament’s owners are Indian, including actor Ajay Devgn. Many of the sponsors are also India. Now even they have started seeing problems. In such a situation, the organizers have canceled the Pakistan-India match, even though it had been clearly decided much earlier that the Pakistani team would be coming and Afridi would be part of it. Why did no one raise any objections at that time?”
It remains unclear whether the teams will face off if they both reach the final. This controversy has once again intensified tensions between Pakistan and India. Though the Legends League team carries Pakistan’s name, it is not affiliated with the PCB and owned by private company. However, this development has further deepened concerns around the Asia Cup.
A crucial meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is scheduled for Thursday in Dhaka. The BCCI has already indicated a possible boycott if the venue isn’t changed. Boards like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan also support India in this matter. If a deadlock persists and the meeting goes ahead in Dhaka, these countries might refuse to accept its decisions — potentially leading to the cancellation of the Asia Cup.
The Pakistani ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi is known for his strong personality. As PCB chief, he directly challenged India and succeeded in getting a hybrid model approved. The situation is no longer the same as in the past. If the Indian team refuses to come to Pakistan for an ICC event, then the Green Shirts won’t have to go there either — matches would be held in a neutral venue.
India is a confrontational nation and has strained relations with most of its neighbours. Even relations with Bangladesh are currently at a low, which is why BCCI officials don’t want to visit Dhaka. Today’s era is one of Zoom meetings — they could attend virtually — but they seem intent on creating tension.
Afghanistan’s interests are tied to India. Sri Lanka can be swayed easily — offer them a series and they’ll even rebel against the ICC. India insists the venue be changed, or else they won’t participate in the Asia Cup. The Legends League incident added fuel to the fire. India still grieves over the downing of its six fighter jets, and now it wants to take revenge through cricket because its military adventures already cost it dearly.
Shahid Afridi’s verbal strikes have already pierced them. Indian fans have already targeted former cricketers — the current stars might be next. In such an environment, how can the Indian board justify playing in the Asia Cup? Could it be that the venue issue is just an excuse to back out?
In any case, the real loss will be India’s. Broadcasters hoping to make dollars are now in a fix. India dominates cricket financially — but are there no broadcasters in other countries who can purchase ACC or ICC media rights at reasonable prices? If not, then find them.
Look at Pakistan — our PSL teams are not sponsored by Emirates and Qatar Airways. Saudi Arabia is a friendly nation — why not talk to Aramco? Why not approach companies like DP World in the UAE? The world praises Pak-China friendship — Chinese companies were once major sponsors of the IPL, so why not talk to them?
Times have changed. It’s no longer just about a few thousand fans in the stadium; millions watch on TV. Publicity is not limited to one country. At the very least, these companies should be approached. Bring teams like Australia, South Africa, and England to Pakistan — even if it means paying extra. Seek government help. Strengthen your position.
The U.S. is set to become a major cricket market — the ICC should establish its presence there. Australia and England are big countries; their broadcasters could also compete for rights. In their pursuit of short-term profits, everyone has helped turn India into a “monster” in cricket — one they now fear because all the money flows from there. Using that power, India now dominates the ICC. In ACC Mohsin Naqvi is a thorn in their side.
Earlier, India had issues only with playing Pakistan. Recently, they even canceled their tour of Bangladesh. If this continues, they’ll keep harassing any country they have disputes with. Even in football, nations with hostile relations compete against each other — but in cricket, Indian arrogance takes over.
That arrogance must be broken. Pakistan already defeated them thoroughly on the battlefield. If not today, then someday in future Pakistan will have to challenge them economically in cricket as well — only then can this control be broken.
