'Mera Desh Mere Liye...': Dhawan Faces Backlash Despite Withdrawal From PAK Game
Shikhar Dhawan has withdrawn from World Championship of Legends match against Pakistan, citing soured relations between the countries.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has stated that he informed the organisers of the World Championship of Legends two months ago that he wouldn't participate in any game involving Pakistan, and he still stands by this decision, thus withdrawing himself from the classic clash against the neighbours on Sunday, July 20.
Several Indian cricketers pulled out of the match against Pakistan, citing soured relations between the two countries.
Dhawan confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he wouldn't be taking part in the game against Pakistan.
'This is to formally reiterate and confirm that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This decision was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025," the mail to the organisers reads.
' 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! 🇮🇳," Dhawan tweeted on Sunday.
However, that didn't stop netizens from criticising him for his actions, as his statement came only after social media went berserk over the numerous Indian cricketers participating in the game, despite the heightened cross-border tensions of the past three months.
' Bhai jab outrage hua tabhi yaad aaya ki Pakistan se khel rahe the? This is even worse," a user tweeted.
Bhai jab outrage hua tabhi yaad aaya ki Pakistan se khel rahe the? This is even worse.— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) July 19, 2025
' Mausam check kar rahe the bhai, garmi lagi toh peeche hat gaye 🤣," another user tweeted.
Mausam check kar rahe the bhai, garmi lagi toh peeche hat gaye 🤣— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 🏹 (@RoflGandhi_) July 19, 2025
The match was eventually called off by the organisers, saying that they had decided to go ahead with the match since Pakistan had decided to travel to India for hockey matches, and the two countries faced each other in volleyball, but with sentiments hurt, the match was called off.
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