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The much-awaited showdown between India and Pakistan in the World Championships of Legends (WCL) was abruptly called off, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world. The cancellation at Edgbaston came amidst heightened tensions following a tragic terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which visibly strained relations between the two nations. Several former Indian cricket legends—including Shikhar Dhawan—refused to participate, leading to the fixture’s demise. Into this charged atmosphere, former Australia pacer Brett Lee offered his thoughts, navigating the delicate situation with characteristic diplomacy.
Brett Lee calls for sporting unity amid off-field tensions
Lee, known for his fierce spells on the field, approached the topic of the cancelled marquee fixture with tact and empathy. When pressed for his reaction to the cancellation, Lee in a press conference described the matter as a “tough question,” stating, “I love India, I love Pakistan. So I hope that they can get to a discretion where they can appreciate themselves. But most importantly, we are here on a tournament. So Australia versus India versus South Africa. We are all inclusive. So what happened last night is what happened. We pushed for it.”
Lee’s remarks highlighted his commitment to the spirit of cricket and to fostering an inclusive atmosphere, irrespective of geopolitical disputes. He emphasized participation and enjoyment in the broader context of the tournament, sidestepping inflammatory rhetoric. His balanced stance reflected both his respect for the emotional sensitivities involved and his hope that sporting events, where possible, might become a platform for positive memories and shared experiences—even as political realities sometimes dictate otherwise.
WCL’s intentions and the fallout
The WCL organizers had originally announced the India-Pakistan fixture with the intention of creating joyful moments for fans, inspired by recent successful sporting interactions between the nations in other disciplines like volleyball. However, the plan quickly unravelled as multiple Indian cricket legends—responding both to personal conviction and to public sentiment in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack—declined to participate.
With growing public opposition and discomfort expressed by the players, WCL issued an apology for any hurt feelings, explaining, “We unintentionally caused discomfort to our Indian Cricket Legends, who have brought so much glory to the country, and we ended up affecting the brands who supported us purely out of love for the game. Hence, we have decided to call off the India vs Pakistan match”.
Dhawan, one of the withdrawing players, reiterated his decision was rooted in the current geopolitical context, writing, “My country is everything to me, and nothing is bigger than the country.” The broader narrative around the cancellation has thus moved beyond cricket, underscoring how sport remains deeply intertwined with national sentiment and international relations in the subcontinent.
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! 🇮🇳
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25)
