Suresh Raina ends silence on India-Pakistan WCL controversy: 'We chose our nation above everything else'

Suresh Raina was part of India Champions squad, which took part in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), a tournament featuring past icons. However, the tournament found itself in hot water mostly due to geopolitical tension between India and Pakistan. Both teams were set to clash in the league stage, which never took place, and then once again in the semifinal that met with similar fate.

It was India, who refused to engage in any match with the neighbours, citing public sentiments and the tainted relation between the two countries. Both countries share animosity, which only increased after the ghastly attack in Pahalgam in April this year. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, forced India to launch a military operation and situation escalated to almost a full-fledged war until a ceasefire was announced.

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There was plenty of outcry about the two nations playing cricket, which led India Champions to withdraw from both the matches. While Shikhar Dhawan, also part of the India Champions squad, was quick to make a public statement the others are yet to address the matter.