World Championship of Legends 2025: Here is why Harbhajan Singh opted out of India-Pakistan match

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who is also a Member of Parliament, has opted out of the India-Pakistan clash in the ongoing World Championship of Legends being held in Edgbaston. The former cricketer has reportedly opted out of the contest owing to political reasons with India's strained relations with Pakistan being the main reason behind the decision.

 

 

Meanwhile, social media has been buzzing over the last 24 hours regarding the upcoming India-Pakistan clash at the WCL that kicked-off on Friday (July 18). The arch-rivals are scheduled to face each other on Sunday (July 20) with the game understandably billed as the marquee clash of the tournament.

 

However, it has to be remembered that the two countries have just recently endured extremely strained political relationships following the Pahalgam attack in April this year. Such was the intensity of the cross-border clashes between the two countries that sport expectedly took a backseat. Even before the recent developments, India had been in a cold war with Pakistan as far as international cricket goes.

 

Since the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, India have only played Pakistan once in a bilateral series. Apart from that, they have stuck to facing their rivals only in Asia Cup and ICC tournaments. With the scenario as vulnerable as it is now in terms of the political climate, fans and pundits are questioning the need for organizing this game.

 

Like Harbhajan, Yusuf Pathan is also an MP present in the Indian squad but there hasn't been any reports yet of the Baroda man opting out. Yuvraj Singh leads the squad that features big names like Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu.

 

Apart from India and Pakistan, the WCL also features England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies. Edgbaston is the major venue for WCL 2025 with the knockouts and final also scheduled to be held at the venue. Headingley, Leicester and Northampton are the other grounds that will be hosting games in WCL 2025.

 

 

 

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