Multiple questions have arisen after the game between India and Pakistan was called off during the 2025 World Championship of Legends. The veterans’ cricket match that was to be played between the two arch rivals on July 20 in Birmingham has been cancelled after the Indian players refused to participate because of prevailing tensions and geopolitical situation.

There had been cross-border tensions between the two sides after the Pahalgam terror attack in India, which led to the suspensions of the IPL and the PSL later on. Brett Lee, the former Australian pacer and the current captain of the side in this tournament, has reflected on the situation of the competition.

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‘This is a tough question. I love India, I love Pakistan. So I hope that they can get to a point where they can, like, appreciate themselves. But most importantly, we are here for a tournament. So Australia versus India versus South Africa. We are all inclusive. So what happened last night is what happened. We pushed forward.’ Brett Lee expressed in the press conference.

Brett Lee reflects on WCL 2025 encounter between India and Pakistan

The WCL organizers addressed that they planned this match in the tournament, which involves teams like Australia, South Africa, England, and the West Indies. But after hearing the news that Pakistan’s hockey team will be touring India this year and after seeing a recent Volleyball game taking place between the U-16 sides of the two nations, they cancelled the clash as they didn’t want to cause discomfort to the Indian legends unintentionally.

#WATCH | Coventry, England: On the India vs Pakistan WCL match which got cancelled, former Australian Cricketer Brett Lee says, "... I love India, I love Pakistan. So I hope that they can get to a discretion where they can, like, appreciate themselves. But most importantly, we… pic.twitter.com/3V7Yx7nQb6

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2025

‘This is to formally reiterate that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This discussion was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025. Given our current geopolitical situation and 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.’ Shikhar Dhawan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

All six sides will face each other once before the top four will proceed to the semifinals, scheduled for July 31, and the final on August 02. The tournament will take place in Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester, and Headingley.