Shahid Afridi Lashes Out After India-Pakistan WCL 2025 Match Gets Cancelled, Says 'Cricket Should Be Kept Away from Politics'

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was visibly upset and angry after the India vs Pakistan match in the World Championship League (WCL) 2025 was cancelled at the last moment. The match, scheduled for 20 July in Birmingham, was called off after multiple Indian players reportedly refused to play against the Pakistan Champions team.

Afridi’s Emotional Reaction on Camera

A video showing Afridi’s reaction went viral, where the Pakistani great appeared visibly frustrated. Speaking candidly, Afridi condemned the last-minute decision by the Indian players, hinting that it had deeply hurt him.

"We came here to play cricket. If India didn’t want to play against us, they should have made that clear before arriving. The players came, trained, and then suddenly backed out," Afridi said.

He reiterated a message he’s often shared in the past:

“Cricket should be kept away from politics.”

Why Was the Match Cancelled?

According to reports, several key players from the India Champions team, including Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Yuvraj Singh, opted out of the match. Their refusal left the team short of a playing XI, forcing the organizers to cancel the match entirely.

While no official reason was cited, media speculation links the decision to Shahid Afridi’s recent controversial remarks following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which may have influenced the Indian players’ stance.

Organizers and Pakistan Team React

The Pakistan Champions team owner acknowledged the situation, saying:

"We are happy to get the 2 points, though we would have preferred to earn them on the field."

He also said efforts would be made to prevent an India-Pakistan clash in the knockout stages, though if both teams reach the final, a decision would be taken then.

What's Next in WCL 2025?

While the cancelled India-Pakistan match remains a flashpoint, the tournament will continue as per the existing schedule. However, the controversy has reignited the debate over India-Pakistan sporting ties and how political tensions often spill over onto the cricket field.

The prospect of an India-Pakistan final still looms, and if it materializes, it could create another moment of reckoning for the tournament and the players involved.