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Shikhar Dhawan Slammed For Playing Pakistan in WCL Amid Nationalism Debate
By CricShots - Jul 19, 2025 3:50 pm
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With India trailing 1‑2 in their Test series, the spotlight turns to a very different high-stakes clash: the India vs Pakistan fixture at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) on July 20 in Birmingham. Former stars—including Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan—are set to face off against Pakistan legends such as Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, and Shoaib Malik.

shikhar dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan

However, several of these Indian players have drawn sharp criticism on social media amid lingering tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which soured bilateral relations.

Dhawan has been a particular lightning rod, having publicly clashed with Afridi following Afridi’s comments accusing India of mishandling the attack. In April, Dhawan fired back via social media: “Kargil mein bhi haraya tha… we are extremely proud of our Indian Army”.

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Yet just two months later, he is seen warming up to share a dressing room with Afridi on the same ground in Birmingham—an apparent contradiction that has not escaped public scrutiny.

One furious Twitter user questioned the players’ patriotism: “Indian ex‑cricketers… playing WCL matches vs Pakistan in a private league! But when it’s public, they scream nationalism.” 

The controversy highlights the fraught interplay between sport, celebrity, and national sentiment, especially when emotions are still raw. The WCL’s second season launches this week, featuring six teams—including India and Pakistan—competing as a nostalgic throwback to past international rivalries.

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As these cricketing icons prepare to light up the field in Birmingham, public opinion remains split: some see this as a bridge between nations, while others brand it hypocrisy. Either way, the off‑field theatrics may threaten to overshadow the on‑field nostalgia.

Tags India vs PakistanpatriotismShikhar DhawanSlammedWCL