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"Cricket Comes First": Shahid Afridi Points At 'Bad Egg' To Slam India Stars In WCL Row

Soumyajit Dutta

Shahid Afridi [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Shahid Afridi [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

The much-anticipated clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 became the centre of attention after controversy led to the match being called off. 

Following a backlash in India, several Indian cricketers reportedly withdrew from the fixture, prompting the organisers to cancel the high-profile game scheduled for July 20. The WCL also issued an official apology. Reacting strongly to the situation, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi launched a scathing attack on the incident, criticising the Indian players who opted out.

Shahid Afridi Slams Indian Cricketers For Pulling Out Of The Match

Speaking to the media, Afridi condemned India’s decision to pull out, calling for the separation of sports and politics.

"We are here to play cricket, and I've always said that cricket should be kept away from politics — it should move forward. A player should be a good ambassador, not a source of embarrassment for their country. We've come here to play cricket. If [India] didn’t want to play against Pakistan, they should’ve refused before coming here. But now you've arrived, even held practice sessions, and then suddenly changed everything in a single day," Afridi told reporters.

Without naming anyone, Afridi lashed out at one particular Indian cricketer, calling him a "bad egg" responsible for creating political bias and communication gaps.

"Sports bring people closer, but if politics gets involved in everything, how will we move forward? Until we sit together and discuss issues, nothing will improve, lack of communication only makes things worse. We've come here to play cricket, to have one-on-one interactions and friendly conversations. But sometimes, there's one bad egg that spoils everything for everyone else," Afridi said.

Afridi Speaks Of Stepping Out Of The Match Himself

The veteran all-rounder further revealed that he had no prior knowledge that the match was cancelled because of his presence. He added that had he been informed earlier, he would have voluntarily stepped aside in the interest of the game.

"If I had known the match was being stopped because of me, I wouldn't have even gone to the ground. But cricket should go on. What is Shahid Afridi in front of cricket? Nothing. The game comes first. As a sport, cricket is the biggest thing. Bringing politics into it, or an Indian cricketer saying he won't play against Pakistan — then don't play, just sit out. But sport is bigger, cricket is bigger, and it's bigger than Shahid Afridi too," he added.

Following the game's cancellation, the WCL organisers issued an apology letter, while official sponsor EaseMyTrip also withdrew from the fixture, citing political sensitivities and criticising the arrangements.