WCL 2025: Will India Champions Play Against Pakistan? High-Voltage IND-PAK Clash In Doubt As Players Opt Out: Report

WCL 2025: The much-anticipated clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has hit an unexpected hurdle. According to Sports Tak, two to three key Indian players are likely to pull out of the marquee encounter scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

While their identities remain under wraps, their absence could significantly impact the team's strategy and morale ahead of one of the tournament's most high-profile fixtures.

Tensions between India and Pakistan off the field appear to be affecting proceedings on it. The decision by a few Indian players to skip the game is reportedly influenced by the recent diplomatic strains, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent military response through Operation Sindoor. These developments had initially cast doubt over the participation of the entire Pakistan Champions side in the tournament.

Amid these concerns, the WCL organisers proceeded with the inclusion of Pakistani players after indications of progress regarding the staging of the 2025 T20 Asia Cup. However, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who was originally named in the squad, has been excluded from the tournament altogether. His recent political statements targeting India are believed to be the primary reason behind the organisers' decision to distance him from the event.

With Afridi ruled out, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has taken over the reins of the Pakistan Champions. Under his leadership, the team got off to a winning start, edging past hosts England by five runs in the tournament opener on July 18.

The India-Pakistan rivalry has always been the highlight of global cricket events, and the WCL is no exception. In the previous edition, Yuvraj Singh's India Champions clinched the title with a memorable five-wicket win over Pakistan at the same venue, powered by Ambati Rayudu's blazing 50 off 30 balls.

Now, with uncertainty clouding this edition's epic rematch, we have to wait and watch what exactly pan out in the end.