Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are unlikely to meet across men’s or women’s cricket at the upcoming Nagoya Asian Games unless it’s for the medal. Unlike other ICC or ACC events, where the two Asian giants are often placed together for engagement and subsequent monetary purposes, the two teams might not play each other at all in this tournament unless it's the gold medal match. Considering there is always a chance for them to meet up in a cricket tournament, chances are bleak for the upcoming edition because the draws are such. &nbsp;The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, with cricket scheduled from September 17 to October 3, starting with the women’s cricket. The women’s cricket final will take place on September 22, after which the men’s competition gets underway. 10 teams in each division will compete in this medal event.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-ceo-future-one-day-cricket-random-odis-1786551821769">'No Room for Random ODIs': ICC CEO speaks out on One-Day Cricket's future</a> &nbsp;The defending gold medal winners, India, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are seeded directly into the quarterfinals; the remaining six teams, including Afghanistan, will contest for a knockout place in the group stage. While India will play in quarterfinal 2, Pakistan is placed in quarterfinal 1, with the two games scheduled for September 28. Their opponents will be the teams that advanced through the group stage. &nbsp;The semifinal seeding ensures that the winner of quarterfinal 2, which could be India, will face the winner of quarterfinal 3; whereas, the winner of quarterfinal 1, likely Pakistan, will face the winner of quarterfinal 4. The two semifinals are also scheduled on the same day (October 1).&nbsp; &nbsp;Such a scenario means only one thing: India and Pakistan can meet only in a gold medal match, or in the bronze medal match, should the two lose their respective semifinals. &nbsp;Meanwhile, other than Afghanistan, the remaining teams in the men’s category are Nepal, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Malaysia and Oman.&nbsp;<h2>No IND-PAK Face-off in Women’s Category</h2>Likewise, in the men’s event, India and Pakistan are highly unlikely to meet in the women’s category as well, again, unless it’s for a medal. &nbsp;In the women’s competition, India is ranked number one, while Pakistan is seeded fourth behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, respectively. However, their draw sees India facing Japan in the quarterfinal, and upon progressing, their likely opponents would be Bangladesh or Hong Kong, China. &nbsp;On the other hand, Pakistan will face Thailand in their quarterfinal fixture, and should they win, they will face one of Sri Lanka or Malaysia. A potential Indian women’s vs Pakistan women’s match could, therefore, only be possible in the final or the bronze-medal play-off, scheduled for September 22.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture will host all cricket matches.

India and Pakistan can only meet in a medal match at the 2026 Asian Games after being placed on opposite sides of the cricket tournament draw.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are unlikely to meet across men’s or women’s cricket at the upcoming Nagoya Asian Games unless it’s for the medal. Unlike other ICC or ACC events, where the two Asian giants are often placed together for engagement and subsequent monetary purposes, the two teams might not play each other at all in this tournament unless it's the gold medal match. Considering there is always a chance for them to meet up in a cricket tournament, chances are bleak for the upcoming edition because the draws are such. The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, with cricket scheduled from September 17 to October 3, starting with the women’s cricket. The women’s cricket final will take place on September 22, after which the men’s competition gets underway. 10 teams in each division will compete in this medal event. Also read| 'No Room for Random ODIs': ICC CEO speaks out on One-Day Cricket's future The defending gold medal winners, India, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are seeded directly into the quarterfinals; the remaining six teams, including Afghanistan, will contest for a knockout place in the group stage. While India will play in quarterfinal 2, Pakistan is placed in quarterfinal 1, with the two games scheduled for September 28. Their opponents will be the teams that advanced through the group stage. The semifinal seeding ensures that the winner of quarterfinal 2, which could be India, will face the winner of quarterfinal 3; whereas, the winner of quarterfinal 1, likely Pakistan, will face the winner of quarterfinal 4. The two semifinals are also scheduled on the same day (October 1). Such a scenario means only one thing: India and Pakistan can meet only in a gold medal match, or in the bronze medal match, should the two lose their respective semifinals. Meanwhile, other than Afghanistan, the remaining teams in the men’s category are Nepal, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Malaysia and Oman. No IND-PAK Face-off in Women’s Category Likewise, in the men’s event, India and Pakistan are highly unlikely to meet in the women’s category as well, again, unless it’s for a medal. In the women’s competition, India is ranked number one, while Pakistan is seeded fourth behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, respectively. However, their draw sees India facing Japan in the quarterfinal, and upon progressing, their likely opponents would be Bangladesh or Hong Kong, China. On the other hand, Pakistan will face Thailand in their quarterfinal fixture, and should they win, they will face one of Sri Lanka or Malaysia. A potential Indian women’s vs Pakistan women’s match could, therefore, only be possible in the final or the bronze-medal play-off, scheduled for September 22. The Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture will host all cricket matches.

India and Pakistan can only meet in a medal match at the 2026 Asian Games after being placed on opposite sides of the cricket tournament draw.

Asian Games 2026: No India-Pakistan cricket match unless it’s for the medal

The India and Pakistan teams are all set for the Asia Cup tomorrow (September 14). Amid this, a boycott trend emerged calling out the Cricket lovers to boycott Sunday's match, citing the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The match came just four months after 26 people were killed in a terrorist attack on Indian soil by Pakistan.&nbsp;It all started with the opposition political parties of India, especially Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-ruin-ange-postecoglou-premier-league-return-as-gunners-thrash-nottingham-forest-1757772816414">Arsenal ruin Postecoglou's Premier League return as Gunners thrash Forest</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Indian government is making cricketers play with such disgusting people who wiped our sisters' sindoor. We'll expose all the clubs and restaurants in Delhi that telecast India-Pakistan matches," AAP leader &nbsp;Saurabh Bharadwaj commented.Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Sena (UBT), said, &nbsp;"How can war and cricket be at the same time? They have made a business out of patriotism. They just want money."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-indians-ipl-seamer-arjun-tendulkar-mourns-charlie-kirk-killing-posts-instagram-story-1757761898423">Mumbai Indians seamer mourns Charlie Kirk’s shocking death, posts Instagram story</a>&nbsp;Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also shared her views, saying, "Pakistan cricketers were humiliating us and Operation Sindoor on their social media...We do not want to play against Pakistan till Pakistani players stop supporting terrorists."&nbsp;But there were some people, like former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who defended the match. He argued that it is a compulsion to participate in the match, since Pakistan would earn the match points if India opts out. "When multinational tournaments are organised by the ACC or the ICC, it becomes a compulsion, a necessity for nations to participate. If they don't, they will be eliminated from the tournament, they will have to forfeit the match, and the other team will get the points. But India doesn't play bilateral tournaments with Pakistan," Thakur said.

It all started with the opposition political parties of India, especially Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The boycott came after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. 

 

The India and Pakistan teams are all set for the Asia Cup tomorrow (September 14). Amid this, a boycott trend emerged calling out the Cricket lovers to boycott Sunday's match, citing the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The match came just four months after 26 people were killed in a terrorist attack on Indian soil by Pakistan. It all started with the opposition political parties of India, especially Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Also read: Arsenal ruin Postecoglou's Premier League return as Gunners thrash Forest "The Indian government is making cricketers play with such disgusting people who wiped our sisters' sindoor. We'll expose all the clubs and restaurants in Delhi that telecast India-Pakistan matches," AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj commented. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Sena (UBT), said, "How can war and cricket be at the same time? They have made a business out of patriotism. They just want money." Also read: Mumbai Indians seamer mourns Charlie Kirk’s shocking death, posts Instagram story Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also shared her views, saying, "Pakistan cricketers were humiliating us and Operation Sindoor on their social media...We do not want to play against Pakistan till Pakistani players stop supporting terrorists." But there were some people, like former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who defended the match. He argued that it is a compulsion to participate in the match, since Pakistan would earn the match points if India opts out. "When multinational tournaments are organised by the ACC or the ICC, it becomes a compulsion, a necessity for nations to participate. If they don't, they will be eliminated from the tournament, they will have to forfeit the match, and the other team will get the points. But India doesn't play bilateral tournaments with Pakistan," Thakur said.

It all started with the opposition political parties of India, especially Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The boycott came after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.

'Boycott India-Pakistan match'? What's happening in India over Cricket and why

India and Pakistan will be facing off at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior (Under-21) World Cup that is to be hosted in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu between November and December. The high-profile match between arch-rival nations is scheduled to be held in Chennai on 29th&nbsp;November. According to the match schedule, the event featuring 24 teams would be hosted in Tamil Nadu's capital city, Chennai, and the state's cultural capital city Madurai, about 450 km south of Chennai.This will be the third FIH Junior Men’s World Cup to be held in India and the 14th overall. India hosted the 2016 edition in Lucknow and the 2021 edition in Bhubaneswar. Scheduled be held between November 28th and December 10th, for the first time, the tournament will see 24 teams competing for the coveted title.The FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup was initially a 12-team tournament, which increased to 16 in the 2001 edition. The 2023 edition of the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup in Malaysia also featured 16 teams.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-chris-gayle-accuses-punjab-kings-of-disrespecting-him-makes-shocking-revelation-1757331244469">Gayle accuses THIS IPL franchise of disrespecting him; makes shocking revelation</a>Speaking about the upcoming World Cup, Dilip Tirkey, veteran Indian hockey player and President of Hockey India, said, perhaps, it is the first time that the Junior World Cup is being hosted in two venues. He also hailed the Indian Men’s hockey which was crowned Asia Cup 2025 champions after they beat the Republic of Korea 4-1.&nbsp;With the win, India ended their eight-year wait to regain their title and qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in the Netherlands and Belgium. This was India’s fourth Asia Cup hockey win. Their last triumph came in 2017 in Dhaka.However, there are concerns about the timing of the event, as it would be taking place during the peak of the northeast monsoon season when Tamil Nadu receives a significant amount of rainfall, and witnesses extreme weather due to cyclonic storms. Officials clarified that amid a packed International hockey calendar and back-to-back matches, this chosen period is the most suitable for all International teams.&nbsp;Releasing the event schedule, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said that the State Government has allocated Rs. 65crores ($7.4mn) for organising the event and scaling up infrastructure. This will include the establishment of a synthetic turf in Madurai. He added that the State has had a legacy of hosting International sporting events such as the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad, Squash World Cup, Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, Khelo India Youth games, Chennai Open WTA 250, among others.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-pak-asia-cup-2025-match-time-date-venue-history-and-past-record-1757317743108">India vs Pak, Asia Cup 2025: Match time, date, venue, history and past record</a>In the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup tournament, Germany are the most successful team with seven titles. They are also the defending champions, having beaten France in the 2023 final played at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Meanwhile, India had settled for a fourth-place finish after losing 3-1 to Spain in 2023. It was the second time in two editions that the junior Indian hockey team lost the third-place match. India had finished in the same position in 2021 after losing to France 3-1.India are the two-time FIH Hockey Junior World Cup champions, having won the titles in 2001 and 2016. &nbsp;

The high-profile match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled to be held in Chennai on 29th November. 

India and Pakistan will be facing off at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior (Under-21) World Cup that is to be hosted in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu between November and December. The high-profile match between arch-rival nations is scheduled to be held in Chennai on 29th November. According to the match schedule, the event featuring 24 teams would be hosted in Tamil Nadu's capital city, Chennai, and the state's cultural capital city Madurai, about 450 km south of Chennai. This will be the third FIH Junior Men’s World Cup to be held in India and the 14th overall. India hosted the 2016 edition in Lucknow and the 2021 edition in Bhubaneswar. Scheduled be held between November 28th and December 10th, for the first time, the tournament will see 24 teams competing for the coveted title. The FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup was initially a 12-team tournament, which increased to 16 in the 2001 edition. The 2023 edition of the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup in Malaysia also featured 16 teams. Also read | Gayle accuses THIS IPL franchise of disrespecting him; makes shocking revelation Speaking about the upcoming World Cup, Dilip Tirkey, veteran Indian hockey player and President of Hockey India, said, perhaps, it is the first time that the Junior World Cup is being hosted in two venues. He also hailed the Indian Men’s hockey which was crowned Asia Cup 2025 champions after they beat the Republic of Korea 4-1. With the win, India ended their eight-year wait to regain their title and qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in the Netherlands and Belgium. This was India’s fourth Asia Cup hockey win. Their last triumph came in 2017 in Dhaka. However, there are concerns about the timing of the event, as it would be taking place during the peak of the northeast monsoon season when Tamil Nadu receives a significant amount of rainfall, and witnesses extreme weather due to cyclonic storms. Officials clarified that amid a packed International hockey calendar and back-to-back matches, this chosen period is the most suitable for all International teams. Releasing the event schedule, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said that the State Government has allocated Rs. 65crores ($7.4mn) for organising the event and scaling up infrastructure. This will include the establishment of a synthetic turf in Madurai. He added that the State has had a legacy of hosting International sporting events such as the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad, Squash World Cup, Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, Khelo India Youth games, Chennai Open WTA 250, among others. Also read | India vs Pak, Asia Cup 2025: Match time, date, venue, history and past record In the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup tournament, Germany are the most successful team with seven titles. They are also the defending champions, having beaten France in the 2023 final played at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Meanwhile, India had settled for a fourth-place finish after losing 3-1 to Spain in 2023. It was the second time in two editions that the junior Indian hockey team lost the third-place match. India had finished in the same position in 2021 after losing to France 3-1. India are the two-time FIH Hockey Junior World Cup champions, having won the titles in 2001 and 2016.

The high-profile match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled to be held in Chennai on 29th&nbsp;November.&nbsp;

India, Pak to faceoff at FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu

The Indian cricket team has been cleared to play in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to start from September 9, despite the fact that the country's policy bars bilateral sporting interactions with Pakistan. As per a statement issued by the Indian sports ministry on Thursday (August 21), bilateral competitions between the two countries are still suspended, which means Indian teams will not go to Pakistan for competitions, nor Pakistani teams will be allowed to compete in India on a bilateral level. But when it comes to multilateral competition like the Asia Cup, World Cups, or Olympic qualifiers, then there's an exception to that rule.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan, nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India, says India&#39;s sports ministry . . . . Source: news agency ANI <a href="https://t.co/WITa0F6AS0">pic.twitter.com/WITa0F6AS0</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1958494064380113341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The government policy further observes that India shall participate in international and multilateral competitions that include Pakistan as one of the participating nations, provided that the tournaments are organised under international sporting commissions. The same rule applies when India organises such tournaments, with Pakistani teams being permitted to play under multilateral arrangements.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2025-why-shreyas-iyer-keeps-getting-overlooked-numbers-don-t-lie-1755771072248">Asia Cup 2025: Why Shreyas Iyer keeps getting overlooked? Numbers don't lie</a>&nbsp;This distinction is the reason why India's cricket team will be permitted to play in the Asia Cup, a continental tournament run by the Asian Cricket Council. Though there is no room for a bilateral series between India and Pakistan under the existing policy, both countries are free to play on neutral grounds or in a recognised multilateral competition. The policy document also emphasises India's endeavours to become a global sporting event choice host. It commits to streamlined visa procedures for foreign sportsmen, officials, and representatives of governing bodies, affirming India's credibility as a host for mega-level tournaments.&nbsp;For Indian cricket supporters, the clearance ensures another instalment of the historic India–Pakistan rivalry will unfold in the 2025 Asia Cup. Although the two countries will never face one another in a bilateral series anytime soon, multilateral competitions will continue to offer the platform for cricket's most-watched contest.

Will India pull out of Asia Cup match against Pakistan? Indian sports ministry says...

The Indian cricket team has been cleared to play in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to start from September 9, despite the fact that the country's policy bars bilateral sporting interactions with Pakistan. As per a statement issued by the Indian sports ministry on Thursday (August 21), bilateral competitions between the two countries are still suspended, which means Indian teams will not go to Pakistan for competitions, nor Pakistani teams will be allowed to compete in India on a bilateral level. But when it comes to multilateral competition like the Asia Cup, World Cups, or Olympic qualifiers, then there's an exception to that rule.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to play in next month's Asia Cup 2025 on September 14. The two arch-rivals are placed in the same group

India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads since the terrorist attack on Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April, in which 26 innocent civilians were killed. Following that, the two nations' cricketing relations have also plummeted. Recently, two World Championship of Legends (WCL) matches between the two countries were cancelled as the India Champions players refused to play against their Pakistani counterparts. Likewise, the fate of the upcoming Asia Cup match between Pakistan and India also remains uncertain.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan and India are set to lock horns in Dubai on September 14, with chances of both teams meeting in the Super 4s round and the final. With only a bit more than a month to go for the start of the tournament, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed has said that chances are slim that the two sides would not play against one another in the Asia Cup.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/haider-ali-arrest-what-is-the-case-against-pakistani-cricketer-held-in-uk-1754635229525">Haider Ali Arrest: What is the case against Pakistani cricketer held in UK</a>&nbsp;"While I cannot give a formal guarantee, there is no risk of Pakistan and India not playing. The Asia Cup cannot be compared to private tournaments like the World Championship of Legends, where India refused to play against Pakistan in both the league stage and semi-final," Subhan Ahmed was quoted saying to the reporters. &nbsp;Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been confirmed as official host cities for the 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup, which will take place from September 9 to 28. Dubai will host 11 matches, including the summit clash, while Abu Dhabi will host the remaining eight matches. India will host its Group A matches against UAE and the high-octane clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10 and 14 respectively, with its match against Oman scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19.

Asia Cup 2025 India Pakistan match a high probability Heres what UAE official said on mother of all clashes

India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads since the terrorist attack on Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April, in which 26 innocent civilians were killed. Following that, the two nations' cricketing relations have also plummeted. Recently, two World Championship of Legends (WCL) matches between the two countries were cancelled as the India Champions players refused to play against their Pakistani counterparts. Likewise, the fate of the upcoming Asia Cup match between Pakistan and India also remains uncertain. Pakistan and India are set to lock horns in Dubai on September 14, with chances of both teams meeting in the Super 4s round and the final. With only a bit more than a month to go for the start of the tournament, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed has said that chances are slim that the two sides would not play against one another in the Asia Cup. Also Read: Haider Ali Arrest: What is the case against Pakistani cricketer held in UK "While I cannot give a formal guarantee, there is no risk of Pakistan and India not playing. The Asia Cup cannot be compared to private tournaments like the World Championship of Legends, where India refused to play against Pakistan in both the league stage and semi-final," Subhan Ahmed was quoted saying to the reporters. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been confirmed as official host cities for the 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup, which will take place from September 9 to 28. Dubai will host 11 matches, including the summit clash, while Abu Dhabi will host the remaining eight matches. India will host its Group A matches against UAE and the high-octane clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10 and 14 respectively, with its match against Oman scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19.

The Asia Cup is set to begin from September 9, 2025. India will play their first match against UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium

Asia Cup 2025: India-Pakistan match a high probability? Here's what UAE official said on 'mother of all clashes'

The India vs Pakistan veterans’ cricket match, scheduled for Sunday (Jul 21) at Edgbaston in Birmingham, is now cancelled after several Indian players, including former opener Shikhar Dhawan, withdrew their names from it citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. The decision came after the players, also including Harbhajan Singh and the Pathan brothers, faced criticism on social media for agreeing to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). However, the tournament, co-owned by Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgan, suffered another massive blow after one of its leading sponsors decided against continuing despite a five-year sponsorship agreement with the WCL.&nbsp;EaseMyTrip, WCL’s leading sponsor, stepped aside from honouring its commitment, citing its stance not to associate itself with any tournament or event that includes Pakistan cricketers.&nbsp; &nbsp;Taking to their social media handle, EaseMyTrip posted, “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. &nbsp;“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. &nbsp;“EaseMyTrip supports Team India, but will not engage in any match featuring Pakistan. &nbsp;Let’s bring the cup home. &nbsp;Bharat First. Always 🇮🇳.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official Statement from EaseMyTrip 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 We…&mdash; EaseMyTrip.com (@EaseMyTrip) July 19, 2025</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The WCL also posted a message on its social media handles, explaining that despite knowing what happened (on April 22) in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight, all tourists from India and abroad, they decided to have Pakistan participate in the tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp;"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." &nbsp;“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.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dear all , pic.twitter.com/ViIlA3ZrLl&mdash; World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 19, 2025</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, last year during the tournament’s inaugural edition, India had beaten Pakistan in Birmingham.&nbsp;

The decision came after the players, also including Harbhajan Singh and the Pathan brothers, faced criticism on social media for agreeing to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

The India vs Pakistan veterans’ cricket match, scheduled for Sunday (Jul 21) at Edgbaston in Birmingham, is now cancelled after several Indian players, including former opener Shikhar Dhawan, withdrew their names from it citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. The decision came after the players, also including Harbhajan Singh and the Pathan brothers, faced criticism on social media for agreeing to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). However, the tournament, co-owned by Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgan, suffered another massive blow after one of its leading sponsors decided against continuing despite a five-year sponsorship agreement with the WCL. EaseMyTrip, WCL’s leading sponsor, stepped aside from honouring its commitment, citing its stance not to associate itself with any tournament or event that includes Pakistan cricketers. Taking to their social media handle, EaseMyTrip posted, “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. “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 decision came after the players, also including Harbhajan Singh and the Pathan brothers, faced criticism on social media for agreeing to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

Massive blow to WCL as leading sponsor disassociates after India-Pakistan match called off