Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has spoken out strongly in the aftermath of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) controversy, urging the cricketing community to keep politics out of the game. In a passionate and pointed statement, Afridi described the fallout as a case of “one bad egg” spoiling an opportunity for unity, as India’s withdrawal from the high-profile India vs. Pakistan clash led to the match’s cancellation.
Afridi, who was captaining the Pakistan Champions side, expressed frustration over the sequence of events. The Indian team, led by Shikhar Dhawan, had arrived in the UK and even participated in training sessions before opting out of the much-anticipated encounter. Afridi questioned the timing and motives, suggesting that if India had no intention of playing, they could have communicated it earlier to avoid the unnecessary spectacle and disappointment.
Without directly naming individuals, Afridi pointed to a single disruptive influence, stating, “Sometimes, one bad egg can ruin the experience for everyone. We were here to play cricket, to bring people together, not divide them.” His words resonated with many fans and former cricketers, who saw the situation as another unfortunate casualty of the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
Afridi emphasized that cricket has long been a unifying force, especially in the subcontinent, where millions are emotionally invested in the game. “This sport is bigger than any one player, including me,” he said. “It’s supposed to build bridges, not burn them. Let the politicians deal with politics—cricketers should uphold the spirit of the game.”
He further added that veteran players have a responsibility to lead by example, especially in tournaments that celebrate the legacy and camaraderie of past greats. According to Afridi, sportspersons should act as ambassadors, promoting dialogue and peace, particularly when representing their countries abroad.
The match’s cancellation marked yet another instance where cricketing ties between the two nations have been marred by off-field issues. The two teams haven’t played a bilateral series since 2012–13, and meetings have since been limited to ICC and Asia Cup events. The WCL clash was seen as a rare opportunity to rekindle competitive but friendly engagement between Indian and Pakistani legends, many of whom have shared mutual respect throughout their careers.
Afridi’s remarks reflect a growing concern among cricket lovers that opportunities for Indo-Pak cricket are being repeatedly lost to political disagreements. While he acknowledged that some situations may be beyond control, he insisted that sport should not be held hostage by such factors.
In his closing comments, Afridi urged cricket boards and players to adopt a long-term vision: one where rivalry exists only on the field, and off the field, cricket acts as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual respect. His call stands as both a critique and a challenge—to ensure that cricket remains what it was always meant to be: a game of unity, sportsmanship, and pride beyond politics.