With the WCL 2025 India vs Pakistan clash hanging in the balance, India Champions’ opening batter Shikhar Dhawan offered a cheeky yet sharp response to the buzz around a potential semi-final showdown between the two arch-rivals. The possibility has stirred fan excitement despite India’s poor form and Pakistan’s dominant run in the tournament.
Dhawan’s Reaction Sparks Attention
When asked about a possible semi-final encounter with Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, Dhawan brushed off the question with a light jab.
“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,” Dhawan remarked, possibly referencing the intense hype and pressure that often surrounds India-Pakistan matches.
His comment quickly drew reactions from fans and analysts, reflecting both his frustration and wit amid India’s struggles in the tournament.
India Struggles Despite Dhawan’s Heroics
India Champions, the title holders from WCL’s inaugural edition, currently sit at the bottom of the points table. Their campaign has faltered with back-to-back losses, including a narrow defeat to Australia on Saturday.
In that match, Dhawan led the charge with a remarkable 90 off 61 balls. However, his effort went in vain as Australia chased down a massive 204-run target in the final over.
India’s bowling unit struggled to defend, and their inconsistency has put their semi-final hopes in serious jeopardy.
Read: Pakistan, India Set for High-Stakes Clash as Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan Champions Dominate Group Stage
In contrast, Pakistan Champions continue to shine in WCL 2025. The team secured their third win in four matches, comfortably defeating the West Indies Champions by 49 runs.
Kamran Akmal turned back the clock with a vintage performance, scoring a magnificent century. His innings, combined with disciplined bowling, propelled Pakistan to the top of the points table.
The team’s consistent form makes them a strong contender for the semi-finals, and possibly the championship title.
Cancelled Clash Fuels Anticipation
The anticipation around an India vs Pakistan match had already peaked earlier in the tournament. A league-stage clash between the two teams was scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston — a match that many had marked as a highlight of the tournament.
However, the fixture was cancelled by WCL organizers. The announcement came via a statement on the league’s official social media channels, citing scheduling and operational issues. The cancellation disappointed fans, as the fixture promised a clash of legends and fierce rivalry.
With the possibility of a semi-final encounter now looming, anticipation is once again building among cricket followers worldwide.
Tournament Brings Legends Back to Spotlight
The WCL 2025, being held in England, features retired international cricketers representing their respective nations. Teams include star-studded line-ups of former icons, reigniting rivalries in a competitive yet nostalgic format.
While India Champions have struggled to find form, their squad boasts names like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Irfan Pathan alongside Dhawan. Pakistan’s side, meanwhile, features match-winners like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and the in-form Kamran Akmal.
These veteran players have drawn large crowds, both in stadiums and online, making WCL 2025 one of the most watched legends tournaments in recent memory.
What Lies Ahead for the Rivals
India’s qualification for the semi-finals now depends on the outcomes of other fixtures and their own performances in the remaining group matches. Pakistan, already sitting at the top, are almost certain to qualify.
If India manages to recover and book a semi-final berth, cricket fans might finally witness the long-awaited India vs Pakistan face-off. With both teams carrying history, passion, and legacy, such a match would surely reignite the spirit of one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries.
As WCL 2025 approaches the knockout stage, fans remain hopeful for the clash that never happened — this time, with higher stakes and legendary names on the line.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates
