'India Backed Out': Pakistan Champions Refuse To Share Points After WCL Match Called Off

News18

4 days ago

After a dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year that left 26 dead, India conducted a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Thanks to the prevailing 'geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan", Dhawan, in a statement, said he won't be participating in the match.
Eventually, the match, slated to be held on Sunday (July 20) was called off.
WCL says that the Indian Champions team wasn't at fault for the match not going ahead.
'WCL have conveyed to England and Wales Cricket Board that they, as organisers, were not able to conduct this match. The India Champions team are not at fault. Pakistan Champions team are not willing to share points because they are saying that it is India who backed out, not them," ANI quoted a source as saying.
The second edition of WCL got underway last week with Pakistan beating England by five runs. India, led by Yuvraj Singh, were to open their campaign against Pakistan.
They will take the field for the first time this edition against South Africa tonight.
Dhawan's Statement On Not Playing Against Pakistan
Former India opener Dhawan said he had already communicated his decision with the WCL organisers in May this year.
'This is to formally reiterate that Mr Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This discussion was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025," Dhawan shared a screenshot of his statement.
'In view of our current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration. We respectfully request the league's understanding and cooperation on this matter," it added.
What Happens If India And Pakistan Reach WCL Knockouts?
In the scenario of both India and Pakistan reaching WCL semifinals, an official claims that a clash between the two teams will be avoided.
'As for the semifinals and final, we're currently saying that if we make it to the semifinals, there will be four teams, and we will avoid matches between the two teams," Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan told GeoNews.
However, there's no clarity on what happens if they reach the title clash as was the case last season when India won the competition.
Kamil also claimed Pakistan Champions should be awarded two points for the abandoned fixture with India. 'And as for this match, the two points will be awarded to us, and we deserve those points as per the rules," he said.