WCL 2025: 'Nothing is bigger than country' - Shikhar Dhawan opts out of India versus Pakistan clash

Published - 20 Jul 2025, 03:00 IST | Updated - 20 Jul 2025, 03:20 IST

Shikhar Dhawan has withdrawn his name from India's squad for the upcoming clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends 2025 tournament, which is set to be played on Sunday, July 20, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The former India opener was set to make his debut in the event in what is going to the beginning of the Yuvraj Singh-led side's title defence. Dhawan shared a statement on social media to announce his decision to skip all the matches against Pakistan, in protest of the Pahalgam terror attack that occured earlier this year in April.

"Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota [The decision I took on May 11, I stand by it even today. My country means everything to me, and nothing is above the nation]," Dhawan said in his statement.

The southpaw had earlier conveyed his stance on May 11, confirming that he will be a part of the competition but refrain from playing any match against Pakistan. He reiterated his stance through the statement posted in the wee minutes of Sunday.

"Dear Team, I trust this email finds you well. This is to formally reiterate and confirm that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This decision was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025," Dhawan’s official communication read.

"In view of the current geopolitical situation and the prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr. Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration. We respectfully request the league's understanding and cooperation on this matter. Should you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out," it concluded.

The demented terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, took the lives of 26 civilians. The attack was initially claimed by The Resistance Front, believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The India versus Pakistan clash in WCL 2025 was expected to be the first cricketing encounter between the two nations after Operation Sindoor. Apart from Dhawan, reports suggest that the likes of Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan have also pulled out. The Indian players have been facing flak on the internet for competing in a tournament which involves Pakistan. However, it is not known whether their reported decisions to skip the match comes after the backlash on social media.

As per latest reports, the match could be shelved altogether. Pakistan played in the curtain raiser, where they defeated England by five runs. Meanwhile, India are yet to begin their campaign in the six-team tournament.