New Delhi: Several former Indian cricketers are facing flak on social media for playing alongside some ex-Pakistan cricketers in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). India Champions, featuring the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan, among others, is set to take on Pakistan Champions, which consists of the likes of Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal, among others.
The match between the India Champions and Pakistan Champions is scheduled to be played in Birmingham on Sunday, July 20. The match between the two teams has sparked controversy over the ex-India players’ decision to play with Pakistani players, months after the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to intensified border tensions between the two countries.
While the Indian government has banned several Pakistani social media handles and YouTube channels in India, many have called for a boycott of all forms of cricket between the two nations. Thus, the upcoming clash between the India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the WCL has infuriated the Indian cricket fans.
Not too long back, former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who is set to play against Pakistan Champions on Sunday, had called out Afridi on social media after the former Pakistan all-rounder mocked India. Afridi made some controversial remarks against India and the Indian Army after the Pahalgam attack and reportedly also conducted victory parades in Pakistan while criticising PM Narendra Modi.
After Afridi’s statement, Dhawan had taken to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the ex-Pakistan all-rounder with a strong message. “Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge, bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind,” wrote Dhawan.
Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge, bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!https://t.co/5PVA34CNSe
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 28, 2025
Exposing the former India batter’s ‘hypocrisy’, several social media users and fans lashed out at Dhawan over his decision to play against Afridi in the World Championship of Legends. Fans also criticised other former Indian cricketers for taking part in the match, wondering if their patriotism vanishes when it comes to money.
Fans slam ex-India cricketers for playing against former Pakistan cricketers in WCL
Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Raina, Dhawan, Pathan bros playing against Pakistan with Shahid Afridi in their team.
Wah bhai wah… paisa dekh ke desh bhakti bhi chutti pe chali gayi 😂👏 pic.twitter.com/4iexSQWNQu
— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) July 18, 2025
Btw same Shikhar Dhawan is playing against Afridi on Sunday .👍👍 https://t.co/gCCiYja1mD pic.twitter.com/vhnvchJcKl
— Archer (@poserarcher) July 18, 2025
Our 🇮🇳 legends Yuvi, Harbhajan, Raina, Dhawan & Pathan bros r playing in match featuring Afridi, representing Pakistan, country behind the Pahalgam attacks.
Is their patriotism on vacation 4 money? & if controversy arises later, will a simple “SORRY” to the public b enough-again? https://t.co/iHpafpaF6B— Shushant Chak (@ChakShushant) July 19, 2025
Indian ex cricketers like Harbhajan, Yuvraj & Dhawan are happily playing WCL matches vs Pakistan in a private league! But when it’s public, they scream nationalism. Why does the Govt stay silent? Is deshbhakti only for common people, not celebs? Hypocrisy much? https://t.co/aelQzXKJNC
— Cricket for her (@coverdrivetoher) July 18, 2025
I vehemently condemn those who promote cricket or any entertainment, sports, or diplomatic ties with Pakistan. It’s not just the duty of our army, air force, or navy, every Indian citizen must take a stand by completely boycotting Pakistan.
The BCCI’s or any of the former… pic.twitter.com/OeUpBOATkm
— Anupriya Singh (@cricketwoman) July 19, 2025
The Indian Champions team include several notable names, including the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj, Raina, Dhawan, Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu among others. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Champions team also has several prominent names from Pakistan cricket.
The World Championship of Legends 2025 is the second edition of the tournament, which also has teams from England, South Africa and Australia, featuring the former cricketers of the respective countries.