WCL controversy: Why Pakistan have refused to split points with India

WCL controversy: Why Pakistan have refused to split points with India

The highly-anticipated match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 in Birmingham on Sunday saw a last moment cancellation, leading to massive controversy. The India Champions featuring several icons such as - Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan and Yusuf Pathan - refused to take part in the contest due to tension between the two countries.

In the wake of heinous Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, supporters used social media as a tool to protest the match, also slamming the ex-Indian cricketers in the process. Taking note of the sentiments, the organizers chose to cancel the game in light of the intense criticism.

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As reported by ANI, WCL explained to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) why the match was not held. It also mentioned Pakistan's unwillingness to split points with India, arguing they should be get full points as it was the latter who backed out. "WCL have conveyed to England and Wales Cricket Board that they, as organisers, were not able to conduct this match. The India Champions team are not at fault. Pakistan Champions team are not willing to share points because they are saying that it is India who backed out, not them," WCL sources were quoted as saying by the news agency.

Kamil Khan, the owner of Pakistan Champions, had previously asserted that since the match against the India Champions was canceled, his team would receive two points. "And as for this match, the two points will be awarded to us, and we deserve those points as per the rules,” he was quoted as saying by GeoNews.

Pakistan started the tournament with a five-run victory over England Champions. They currently have two points as the match against India remains cancelled - with the points yet to be assigned to either teams. India are scheduled to play against South Africa Champions on Tuesday, with the match scheduled to start from 9pm IST.

Meanwhile, the cancelation also raised doubts over Pakistan's participation in the tournament. However, Kamil Khan affirmed that the T20 event would proceed according to schedule. He also provided an insight of what to anticipate as the competition enters the knockout stages before concluding on August 2.

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According to Kamil Khan, the India-Pakistan semi-final encounter will be "avoided" if necessary. “All the remaining matches are taking place. The tournament is going on as per schedule, and there are no changes."

“As for the semifinals and final, we’re currently saying that if we make it to the semifinals, there will be four teams, and we will avoid matches between the two teams,” he added.

He did not, however, elaborate when asked what would occur if both India and Pakistan advance to the final. “If we reach the final, then the decisions regarding that will be made then," he said.

India Champions won the tournament's first season by defeating Pakistan in the summit match.