Athletes should be ambassadors, not embarrassments: Afridi slams Legends Match cancellation

WEB DESK: A highly anticipated exhibition match between former cricket stars of Pakistan and India at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) was abruptly cancelled on Sunday after Indian players refused to participate, citing recent political tensions between the two nations. Voicing his frustration, Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi said that the team was excited after winning their first match, and expected 17,000-18,000 fans to enjoy this game: “Cricket should transcend politics – it’s what brings people together.”

The T20 encounter, scheduled in Birmingham, was scrapped after Indian veterans including Shekhar Dhawan declined to play against Pakistani counterparts. Tournament organisers confirmed the cancellation following emergency meetings with both teams.

The incident marks another instance of sporting ties falling victim to geopolitical strains:

• Indian players followed their government’s hardline stance
• WCL technical committee had no choice but to cancel
• Pakistan management called it “a setback for cricket’s spirit”
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Pakistan Champions owner Kamal Khan stated: “Our participation reflects commitment to peace and sportsmanship. Despite this disappointment, we’ll maintain our professional ethos.” Tournament organizers had hoped the match could follow successful India-Pakistan encounters in other sports like hockey and volleyball.

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The cancellation leaves unanswered questions about future sporting exchanges between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with Afridi noting: “We came to play cricket and bond – not politicise everything.”