Shikhar Dhawan confirms his unavailability for the forthcoming Ind-Pak WCL clash

The upcoming WCL 2025 clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions has been hit by another boycott. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has joined the likes of the Pathan brothers and Harbhajan Singh to boycott the fixture with their arch-rivals, scheduled to take place on Sunday. Dhawan's decision came in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor on May 11. The decision was formally communicated over a call and via WhatsApp message. 

The move was made in an effort to stand in solidarity with the nation and its armed forces, who put their lives on the line to defend the country during Operation Sindoor. Relations have been sour between the two ideologically opposed nations since the Pahalgam terror attacks, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians on April 26. In a tit-for-tat response, the Indian government launched a fierce military campaign against Pakistan to avenge the losses of the fallen souls. 

The latest flashpoint between the two countries has left the future of the upcoming Ind-Pak clashes in serious doubt. 

See also: Should India boycott playing Pakistan at WCL 2025?

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.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gLCwEXcrnR

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025

Former Indian and Pakistani cricketers at loggerheads over Pahalgam terror attacks

Former players from both sides attacked each other on social media when India's military operation was underway in full swing. Former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi issued a distasteful remark at that time, which severely undermined the credibility of our government and the armed forces. And once it was revealed that Shahid Afridi would take part in the upcoming WCL clash, fans began mounting pressure on the Indian players and urged them to boycott the match.

While as many as four Indian players have formally conveyed their unwillingness to participate in the marquee clash, there has been no confirmation of a last-minute withdrawal or boycott from the Pakistani camp. A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future of the Ind-Pak WCL clash, with many reports suggesting that the fixture could get called off. This is an evolving story, and more details are awaited at this stage.