The India vs Pakistan match at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has been officially called off following backlash and player withdrawals.

Organisers issued a statement apologising for unintentionally hurting public sentiments, stating the match was planned to bring joy, like recent India-Pak volleyball ties.

Indian legends including Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina withdrew earlier, citing national sentiment and geopolitical concerns. Dhawan confirmed he informed organisers on May 11. “My country is everything,” he posted on X.

Sponsor EaseMyTrip also pulled support, saying they won’t be involved in any match featuring Pakistan. “We support India Champions. Bharat First. Always,” it stated.

The WCL 2025, sanctioned by ECB, was scheduled from July 18 to August 2 in UK cities like Birmingham and Leeds.