WCL 2025: 'Missed it once, will do it again' - Shikhar Dhawan on potential IND vs PAK knockout clash

Shikhar Dhawan was one of the many Indian cricketers who refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 clash on July 20. The encounter was eventually cancelled, and the organisers went on to apologise for scheduling the encounter amid the political tension between the two countries stemming from the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, and "unintentionally causing discomfort".

Speaking on the sidelines of the tournament, Dhawan was quizzed by a reporter about whether he would play against Pakistan if both teams made it to the knockout stages of the tournament.

The former India opener was visibly agitated with the question and told the reporter that he shouldn't be asking that question. Dhawan said that his stance remains the same.

"Brother, you're asking this question at the wrong place right now. If you're asking that, do you think I’m going to answer? You shouldn't be asking this question. And if I haven’t played earlier, then I still won’t play," said Shikhar Dhawan.

You can see the full interaction below:

Ahtasham Riaz@ahtashamriaz22

Shikhar Dhawan angry reply on If Pakistan reaches the semi-final against you… will you still play, or ask for a day off? 😄🇵🇰🇮🇳 #WCL25

01:32 AM · Jul 27, 2025

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Ahead of the league-stage encounter between India and Pakistan, Dhawan put out a tweet to confirm that he will not be a part of it. He stated that his country is above everything else for him.

Check out Dhawan's old tweet below:

Shikhar Dhawan@SDhawan25

Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

12:54 AM · Jul 20, 2025

67.2K10.9K

Can India and Pakistan face each other in knockouts?

Pakistan have one foot in the semi-final as they are stationed at the top of the points table, with three wins from four matches. They will play their final group-stage clash against Australia Champions on July 29.

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Meanwhile, India are languishing at the bottom of the standings, having lost two out of their first three games. The defending champions will face England on July 27 and the West Indies on July 29.