Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has accused India of showing “double standards” in its approach to cricketing ties with Pakistan, following the country’s withdrawal from a legends tournament match while confirming participation in a high-profile Asia Cup clash against their traditional rivals.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kaneria criticised Indian players for refusing to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) citing patriotism, only to later agree to face the same opponents in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
“Indian players boycotted WCL and called it a national duty. But now Asia Cup vs Pakistan is just fine? If cricket with Pakistan is okay, then WCL should’ve been too. Stop using patriotism when it suits you. Let sport be sport, not propaganda,” Kaneria posted.
His remarks come days after the much-anticipated WCL fixture between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston, was cancelled. The WCL later confirmed the development via its official platforms without giving detailed reasons.
However, several Indian media outlets had earlier reported that former players including Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Shikhar Dhawan had raised concerns over the participation of ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi in the tournament. The backlash reportedly led to conditions being placed on India’s involvement, which were ultimately not met.
Asia Cup Fixture Confirmed
In contrast, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to face Pakistan in the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, a move that has drawn sharp contrast to their earlier stance on the WCL match.
Though India remains the official host of the Asia Cup, the tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates under a neutral venue agreement with Pakistan, part of a broader arrangement to avoid bilateral series until 2027 due to ongoing political tensions.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently unveiled the tournament schedule, confirming that India and Pakistan will face each other on September 14 in the UAE.
The T20-format tournament will serve as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The event begins on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong. Pakistan start their campaign on September 12 against Oman, before the marquee clash with India.
If both teams qualify for the Super Four stage, they are likely to meet again on September 21, with the final set for September 28.
Pakistan Unbeaten in WCL
Meanwhile, on the field, Pakistan Champions continued their strong run in the WCL with a 49-run win over West Indies Champions. Veteran wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal starred with a century, while the bowlers delivered a clinical performance to keep their unbeaten streak intact.
India Champions, playing without several key names, slumped to a second straight loss after failing to defend 204 against Australia Champions in a final-over thriller.
The contrast in performance on the field and the growing debate off it has reignited discussions over the role of politics in sport—especially between two cricketing giants long affected by strained bilateral ties.
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