Shikhar Dhawan has once again addressed the recurring question of his participation in matches against Pakistan, this time during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. His response was firm, indicating his continued unwillingness to play against the Pakistani side, and he chided the reporter for raising the issue at an inappropriate time and place.
Dhawan's comments came after India Champions' narrow defeat to Australia in the WCL 2025. When asked about the possibility of playing against Pakistan Champions in a potential semi-final clash, Dhawan stated, "You're asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn't have asked it. And even if I didn't play earlier, I still won't play now". He made it clear that his stance remained unchanged.
This isn't the first time Dhawan has addressed this issue. Earlier, he had withdrawn from the India vs. Pakistan league-stage match in the WCL 2025, which was scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston. He cited the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred in April as the primary reason for his decision. "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 [The decision I took on May 11, I stand by it even today. My country means everything to me, and nothing is above the nation]," Dhawan had stated.
The scheduled league match between India and Pakistan was eventually called off after several Indian players, including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Irfan Pathan, joined Dhawan in boycotting the match. These players reportedly protested against the match being scheduled so soon after the Pahalgam terror attack. There were also reports suggesting that some players had objections to the inclusion, or even the presence, of former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Following the cancellation of the match, Pakistan Champions captain Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment with the Indian team's decision. However, Dhawan's recent statement reaffirms his unwavering position on the matter.
Currently, India's chances of facing Pakistan in the WCL semi-finals appear slim. India Champions are at the bottom of the table after losing two of their first three games. In contrast, Pakistan Champions are at the top of the table, having won all their matches. For India to qualify for the semi-finals, they would need to win their remaining two matches.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding a potential WCL clash, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that India is scheduled to play Pakistan on September 14 in the Asia Cup, which will be held in the UAE. This could potentially be the first formal meeting between the two teams since the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military escalations.
