BIRMINGHAM – Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the highly anticipated Pakistan-India match in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, which was scheduled to take place today in Birmingham.
Speaking to the media, Afridi stressed that sports should not fall victim to politics. “We’ve improved relations through cricket in the past. There’s nothing better than sports diplomacy—it brings people closer,” he said.
Afridi remarked that problems can’t be solved unless both sides sit together and talk. “If you bring politics into everything, there’s no solution. I came here to play in Birmingham and trained hard for this match. If India didn’t want to play, they should’ve said so earlier.”
The former all-rounder revealed that the entire Pakistani team was eager to play against India, engage in friendly banter, and promote a spirit of sportsmanship.
“Nations that want to progress don’t fight over petty matters,” he added.
Afridi further stated that no one should become a source of embarrassment for their country.
“The Indian team had come to play, but due to one individual, the entire team was disheartened. It only takes one bad egg to spoil the bunch.”
According to reports, several Indian players—including Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh—refused to play the match following Afridi’s inclusion in Pakistan’s playing XI.
Sources said India demanded that Afridi be excluded, leading to the match’s cancellation.
In response, Afridi sent a message to India: “Sports should come first. If someone had a personal issue with me, I wouldn’t have even come to the stadium. But the match should’ve gone on.”
The tournament organizers later issued a statement confirming the match cancellation.
The Indian media also questioned the need to play the match, reportedly increasing pressure on the organizers.
Despite the setback, the rest of the WCL matches would continue as scheduled.
Pakistan had defeated England in their opening match under the captaincy of Mohammad Hafeez.
