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India vs Iraq LIVE score, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Blue Tigresses in action; Soumya ruled out

India vs Iraq LIVE score, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Blue Tigresses in action; Soumya ruled out

The Hindu02-07-2025
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India vs Iraq LIVE score, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Blue Tigresses in action; Soumya ruled out
IND vs IRQ: Catch all the LIVE updates from the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers between India and Iraq on Wednesday in Thailand.
Updated : Jul 02, 2025 13:36 IST
Welcome to Sportstar's LIVE coverage of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers between India and Iraq on Wednesday in Thailand.
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World Championship Of Legends Cancels India-Pakistan Match After Mass Player Withdrawals
World Championship Of Legends Cancels India-Pakistan Match After Mass Player Withdrawals

Hans India

time33 minutes ago

  • Hans India

World Championship Of Legends Cancels India-Pakistan Match After Mass Player Withdrawals

The World Championship of Legends has officially called off the highly anticipated India-Pakistan cricket encounter scheduled for Sunday after multiple Indian cricket legends withdrew from participation, forcing organizers to acknowledge that their decision had "unintentionally caused discomfort" to players and supporters. The cancellation came as a direct result of several prominent Indian cricketers refusing to take part in the fixture, with sources indicating that their decision was influenced by the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred in April this year. The withdrawal of key players left organizers with no viable option but to abandon what would have been the first India-Pakistan cricket match since military tensions escalated following the April incident. Among the notable players who opted out were former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, middle-order batsman Suresh Raina, and all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, according to reports. While official communications regarding their withdrawals were not confirmed, sources suggested that the Pahalgam attack and its subsequent impact on bilateral relations played a significant role in their decision-making process. Irfan Pathan also reportedly chose not to participate in the cross-border encounter. Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan had already announced his withdrawal from the Pakistan match back in May, making his position clear through a social media post where he shared correspondence with tournament organizers. Dhawan cited prevailing geopolitical circumstances as the primary factor behind his decision, emphasizing that his country remained paramount above all other considerations. In his public statement, Dhawan reinforced his commitment to his earlier decision, declaring his unwavering loyalty to India and stating that nothing supersedes national interests. His withdrawal had set an early precedent for other players who eventually followed suit as the tournament date approached. The World Championship of Legends organizers initially believed that staging an India-Pakistan match could create positive memories for cricket fans worldwide, drawing inspiration from recent sporting exchanges between the two nations. They pointed to the Pakistan hockey team's planned visit to India and a recent volleyball match between the countries as examples of continued sporting cooperation despite political tensions. In their official statement addressing the cancellation, WCL organizers expressed their love for cricket and emphasized that their sole intention had been to provide fans with enjoyable moments through the sport. They explained that the decision to schedule the India-Pakistan fixture had been made with the hope of fostering goodwill and creating memorable experiences for supporters across the globe. However, the organizers acknowledged that their well-intentioned efforts had inadvertently hurt sentiments and created discomfort among respected Indian cricket legends who have brought significant glory to the country throughout their careers. They also recognized that the controversy had negatively impacted sponsor brands that had supported the tournament purely out of their passion for cricket. The statement reflected genuine remorse from the organizers, who admitted that while their intentions were positive, the execution had resulted in unintended consequences that affected both players and stakeholders. They emphasized that causing distress to the Indian cricket legends was never their objective and that they deeply regretted any hurt caused by their decision. This cancellation highlights the complex relationship between sports and politics in South Asian cricket, where bilateral matches often become casualty of broader diplomatic tensions. The incident demonstrates how geopolitical events can influence sporting decisions, even in exhibition tournaments featuring retired players rather than active international teams. The World Championship of Legends had positioned itself as a platform for cricket fans to witness their favorite retired players in action once again, but the India-Pakistan fixture proved too sensitive given current circumstances. The tournament will now proceed without what would have been its marquee attraction, focusing instead on other matches that don't carry the same geopolitical implications. The cancellation serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined cricket and politics remain in the subcontinent, where sporting encounters between India and Pakistan continue to be viewed through the lens of bilateral relations and security concerns rather than purely as entertainment for cricket enthusiasts.

WCL 2025 clash between India and Pakistan cancelled after players' protest
WCL 2025 clash between India and Pakistan cancelled after players' protest

Business Standard

time33 minutes ago

  • Business Standard

WCL 2025 clash between India and Pakistan cancelled after players' protest

In a dramatic turn for cricket fans, the anticipated veterans' cricket match between India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) has been cancelled. The cancellation came after prominent Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Suresh Raina, chose to withdraw from the fixture. Their decision, which was communicated publicly and directly to organisers, cited the sensitive geopolitical climate following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which deeply affected public sentiment in India. This intense backlash, both from the cricketing community and fans, left little room for a cross-border sporting spectacle, despite the organisers' original intention to evoke nostalgia and unity through the veterans' contest. The WCL, which began its second season at Edgbaston on 18 June and is scheduled to conclude on 2 August, now proceeds without its marquee India–Pakistan matchup — a fixture that was meant to rekindle memories from previous legendary encounters. Indian legends take stand after Pahalgam tragedy Central to the controversy was the stance of senior Indian cricketers, who made it clear well in advance that playing Pakistan under the current circumstances was off the table. Shikhar Dhawan, in a formal communication delivered as early as 11 May, reiterated that he would not play against Pakistan in this edition of the WCL. He referenced the 'prevailing tensions' between the neighbouring nations, underscoring that the decision was taken after thorough consideration and in solidarity with national sentiment. Other former cricketers in the India Legends squad, including Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, similarly withdrew, reflecting the collective mood within the team. Organisers respond to fans' and players' sentiment The WCL organisers, who had planned the match to foster goodwill and provide fans with 'happy memories' of classic India–Pakistan clashes, found themselves in the midst of mounting criticism. They acknowledged that the move had 'unintentionally hurt feelings and stirred emotions' instead of bringing joy, and they apologised sincerely for causing discomfort to the Indian legends. WCL officials pointed out that their initial decision was influenced by recent examples of sporting engagement between the two nations in volleyball and hockey, but they recognised the unique sensitivities attached to cricket and this particular historical moment. Public and sponsor reaction The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack not only hardened attitudes among cricketers but also among the public and commercial stakeholders. There was a strong wave of opposition to the match on social media and in public forums, ultimately pushing organisers towards cancellation. Even sponsors took a firm stand, with at least one major brand, EaseMyTrip, publicly announcing that it would not support any fixtures involving Pakistan, reiterating its backing for the Indian team. This groundswell signalled an unprecedented convergence of sport and political sentiment. Fallout for Indo–Pak sporting ties The cancellation is emblematic of the broader freeze in Indo–Pak sporting relations following the terror incidents in Jammu & Kashmir. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already stated its resolve not to engage in bilateral cricket with Pakistan, and this episode further cements that reality. This development could have wider implications, with other marquee tournaments, including the Asia Cup and ICC events, potentially facing similar logistical and diplomatic hurdles if relations do not improve.

WCL in chaos! Sponsors ditch Pakistan after India legends' shock exit — ‘Will not engage in...'
WCL in chaos! Sponsors ditch Pakistan after India legends' shock exit — ‘Will not engage in...'

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

WCL in chaos! Sponsors ditch Pakistan after India legends' shock exit — ‘Will not engage in...'

India won the World Championship of Legends last year. The veterans' cricket match between India and Pakistan scheduled for Sunday in the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, withdrew citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The decision came after Indian players faced criticism on social media for agreeing to play against Pakistan, leading to multiple players including Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan boycotting the match. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The tournament, co-owned by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, began on June 18 at Edgbaston and is set to conclude with the final on August 2. a leading sponsor of the WCL has also released a statement. "Despite entering into a 5-year sponsorship agreement with the World Championship of Legends (WCL) two years ago, our stance has always been clear—EaseMyTrip will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan " by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo We proudly continue to support the India Champions and stand firmly by our team. However, as a matter of principle, we do not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan. "This position was communicated unambiguously to the WCL team from the beginning. EaseMyTrip supports Team India, but will not engage in any match featuring Pakistan. "Let's bring the cup home. Bharat First. Always." The WCL organizers explained their initial decision to hold the match through a statement on their X account: "After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing the recent India vs Pakistan volleyball match along with a few other fixtures between the two nations in different sports, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL, just to create some happy memories for people around the globe. But maybe in the process, we ended up hurting the feelings of many and stirring emotions." The organizers subsequently announced the cancellation: "Hence, we have decided to call off the India-Pakistan match. We sincerely apologise again for hurting the sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans." India had previously defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the inaugural edition of the six-team legends tournament last year at Edgbaston. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

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