Shikhar Dhawan boycott Pakistan Legends: Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has finally broken his silence on why he refused to play against the Pakistan Legends team in the World Championship of Legends. The decision came shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 Indian lives, and India’s subsequent military retaliation under ‘Operation Sindoor’.
During the T20 tournament, the India Champions side chose to forfeit both of their fixtures against Pakistan Legends, including a much-anticipated semi-final clash. Pakistan advanced with a walkover before eventually losing to AB de Villiers-led South Africa Legends in the final.
Speaking on the Figuring Out with Raj Shamani podcast, Dhawan explained the emotional turmoil that influenced his decision.
“I had already told the organisers two months before the event that I wouldn’t play against Pakistan. The terror attacks, Operation Sindoor, the war—it was all still very raw. My soul wasn’t ready to play. Even when I reached the tournament, I didn’t feel right facing Pakistan. There was an internal sadness because our Hindu brothers were attacked in such a cruel way. That pain stayed with me, so I respected those emotions and chose not to play,” Dhawan revealed.
The left-handed veteran expressed grief over the Pahalgam tragedy, stressing the devastating impact it had on families.
“It’s very unfortunate that such incidents still happen in today’s era. Innocent families were destroyed. They just went on a trip, and their lives were shattered. That really hurt me,” he said.
On India vs Pakistan in major tournaments
While standing firm on his personal stance in the Legends league, Dhawan added that the national team’s participation against Pakistan depends on government directives.
“If the government says we should play Pakistan in the Asia Cup, then we should play,” Dhawan stated.
Recently, Suryakumar Yadav and his men dominated Pakistan thrice in the Asia Cup 2025, including a commanding win in the final, securing the continental title in style.
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