Why is Harbhajan Singh Not Playing WCL 2025 Match Against Pakistan?

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) is underway and it’s already creating a lot of buzz. There are many retired legends who have participated in the league. However, there are also some active players across the world who are in action in the tournament as well. Amid all this, there’s been a sudden twist in the tale involving one of India’s legendary cricketers.

India Champions are set to play against Pakistan Champions on July 20 at Edgbaston. In the lead-up to this exciting contest, reports have emerged about changes in India’s lineup ahead of the match. Former legendary India off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, who announced himself available for the tournament earlier and even took part in promotional materials, has reportedly decided not to play against Pakistan.

Will Harbhajan Singh Boycott Pakistan Match?

Although no official conference has been held by Harbhajan Singh or the India Champions but there are several media outlets that have confirmed that he is not going to show up against the arch-rivals on July 20. Tournaments like WCL are meant to celebrate cricket excellence by playing against your old rivals, and remember those nostalgic days. But when we talk about two nations like India and Pakistan, controversy tends to take place irrespective of the platform.

Many reports have suggested that the reason behind Harbhajan Singh boycott Pakistan match is a political one. According to several reports, the recent Pahalgam attack happened in Jammu & Kashmir, which left the nation shaken, is the main reason behind this move by Harbhajan. The incident created a lot of tensions between the two nations. However, things cooled down later, and the situation became normal. But the Indian government decided to completely untie its relationship with Pakistan. They even blocked a no. of social media accounts of many Pakistani celebrities, including their cricketers.

Since Harbhajan Singh boycott WCL 2025 match against Pakistan, some have criticised him while many have lauded the decision. Even in recent times, ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, the BCCI stood their ground on not going to Pakistan for the tournament. Due to this, the tournament happened in the hybrid model. The Men in Blue played their matches in Dubai. Even Pakistan had to travel to Dubai to play against the Indian team despite being the host nation.

As he is going to miss this game, Harbhajan Singh WCL 2025 campaign is likely to begin from India's second game against South Africa, to be played on July 22. It is to be noted that India and Pakistan do not play each other in bilateral series due to the political tensions between the two countries.

Pakistan Champions Start with a Win

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 started on a good note for Pakistan Champions as they defeated the England Champions in their own backyard. With legendary players like Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, and many more, the home team decided to bowl first after winning the toss.

The decision went in their favour as Pakistan lost four quick wickets for just 48 runs.

But captain Mohammad Hafeez played a brilliant innings, scoring 54 runs off 34 balls, including eight boundaries. It was his conscious efforts that helped Pakistan score 160 runs in the first innings. Chris Tremlett and Liam Plunkett claimed two wickets each for England, while all the other bowlers got one wicket each.

Chasing a modest target, England came to bat, they didn't lose many wickets but couldn't raise the run rate. The home team finally fell short of five runs, and lost the match. Wicketkeeper batter Phil Mustard scored a splendid half-century along with Ian Bell. With just 15 runs required in the last over, Bell and Morgan were present on the crease.

But Sohail Khan's outstanding bowling sealed the match for Pakistan. Even though the first delivery went for a boundary, Sohail pulled the game really well and turned the tables on the home side. Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez received the Player of the Match for his brilliant batting performance.