The high-profile India vs Pakistan clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) was dramatically called off just hours before the scheduled toss in Birmingham, after several Indian players led by Yuvraj Singh withdrew from the match, citing political tensions and public sentiment following a recent terror attack in Kashmir.
What was intended to be a nostalgic showdown between cricketing legends turned into a flashpoint for geopolitical debate, drawing sharp reactions from both fans and former players, none louder than that of ex-Pakistan captain Salman Butt.
In a fiery response on his YouTube channel, Butt accused India of politicising sport and challenged the country to maintain consistency by refusing to face Pakistan in any global competition, including ICC tournaments and even the Olympics.
“If you’re boycotting here because of politics, then make it a promise. Don’t play against us in the World Cup. Don’t play in the Olympics either,” Butt said. “Let’s see how far you’re willing to take this nationalism.”
India’s squad for the WCL, captained by World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh, included high-profile names such as Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Robin Uthappa. The decision to withdraw reportedly stemmed from pressure following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which prompted India’s military response via Operation Sindoor. The players were said to be unwilling to share the field with Pakistan, given the timing and national sentiment.
The match, part of the WCL’s second edition co-owned by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), was expected to be one of the tournament’s biggest attractions. Pakistan’s squad featured retired stars such as Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, and Kamran Akmal.
The tournament organisers expressed regret in a statement posted on social media, stating that they had hoped to create “happy memories” with a classic India-Pakistan match. “Maybe in the process, we ended up hurting the feelings of many and stirring emotions,” read the statement.
Butt, however, questioned whether the decision truly reflected the will of all the players. “Who is making these decisions? Just four or five people? What about those who actually wanted to play? They were pressured too,” he claimed.
His comments have since gone viral, amplifying ongoing debates over whether political tensions should influence participation in sporting events. Some analysts argue that while cricket can act as a soft diplomatic tool, inconsistency in engagement could harm its credibility.
With major events such as the Asia Cup, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and the 2025 Champions Trophy approaching, calls are growing for the BCCI to take a clearer stance on bilateral and multilateral encounters with Pakistan.
“Either draw the line or commit fully,” one analyst said. “Because what happens here will affect every platform—whether it’s cricket, the Commonwealth Games, or even the Olympics.”