Just when fans were gearing up for one of the most anticipated clashes in recent cricket history, the WCL India vs Pakistan match, things took a wild turn. The high-voltage encounter, expected to revive memories of classic rivalries, was officially called off, leaving supporters stunned, disappointed, and scrambling for answers. What was supposed to be a nostalgic battle of legends became a headline for all the wrong reasons.
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Why WCL India vs Pakistan Match Called Off?
So why exactly was the WCL India vs Pakistan match cancelled? The answer lies far from the cricket field and deep within political tensions and personal convictions. In the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, India launched a counter-military operation known as Operation Sindoor. As national sentiment flared, several Indian cricket veterans—including Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Irfan Pathan, decided they could not, in good conscience, share the pitch with Pakistan.
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One of the earliest voices was Shikhar Dhawan’s camp, who released a formal statement: “In view of the current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr. Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration.”
Harbhajan Singh also weighed in emotionally, posting online, “My heart goes out to family members of all those who lost their lives in the dastardly attack. This can’t be forgiven.” The pressure on the league mounted. A major sponsor even pulled out, refusing to be part of any WCL India vs Pakistan match, echoing the widespread sentiment.
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Organisers, sensing the heat, eventually released a statement: “We unintentionally caused discomfort to our Indian cricket legends, and ended up affecting the brands who supported us purely out of love for the game.” With that, the curtain dropped on what should have been the blockbuster of the tournament.
Harbhajan’s Unexpected Detour：From Protest to Plate
But just when it looked like the dust was settling, a spicy twist emerged. Harbhajan Singh was spotted dining at a Pakistani restaurant in Birmingham. Yes, that Harbhajan Singh who had just made a patriotic stand by refusing to play against Pakistan because of Operation Sindoor.
Boycotted to play against Pakistan but
Had dinner at a Pakistani restaurant last night as per reports. @harbhajan_singh Explanation needed 🤣 #WCL2025 @SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/aMlCpKwP2Q— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) July 19, 2025
In a short clip that spread like wildfire online, Harbhajan Singh is seen enjoying his meal, smiling, and even complimenting the food and hospitality. While the video’s exact date and the restaurant’s ownership remain fuzzy, the optics were enough to reignite the fire. Fans didn’t waste a second. Memes flew, hashtags trended, and the man who had just been praised for his national stance was now being accused of hypocrisy.
Fans Cry Foul：Patriotism or PR?
The backlash wasn’t just limited to a few angry tweets. Indian cricket fans across platforms began questioning whether patriotism ended where the menu began. One user wrote, “If you can’t play against Pakistan, fine. But what’s this? Biriyani diplomacy?”
Harbajhan Singh pulls out of the game against Pakistan tomorrow to show solidarity with India. But where was @harbhajan_singh solidarity last night when he was eating at a Pakistani restaurant?🥴🧐🤨 #DoubleStandards #INDvPAK #IndianCricket #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/dkn622rUf9
— Haroon (@hazharoon) July 19, 2025
The anger stemmed from a feeling of betrayal. To many, the WCL India vs Pakistan match boycott felt like a serious national statement in light of Operation Sindoor. Seeing one of the leading voices of that protest casually eating at a Pakistani venue didn’t sit well, especially not during a time when tensions were so high. Even some former players and commentators tiptoed into the discussion, suggesting that public figures need to be mindful of their actions, especially when emotions are running hot.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the WCL India vs Pakistan match may not have happened, but it certainly made headlines, and not just for cricketing reasons. It showed how deeply sport is entangled with politics and how actions off the field can overshadow everything else.
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Whether it was a misstep, a misunderstanding, or just plain bad timing, Harbhajan Singh found himself at the center of a controversy that no one saw coming. The shadow of Operation Sindoor looms large, and fans are left asking: if the field is off-limits, should the food be too?
