The organizers of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) have issued an official statement to address and clarify misinformation stemming from a viral video circulating on social media. The video claims to show India Champions players walking off the ground upon seeing Pakistan Champions player Shahid Afridi, but WCL has confirmed that the footage is being taken completely out of context.
In a clear and categorical statement, the WCL clarified that India Champions never entered the field for either the scheduled semi-final or the original group-stage match against the Pakistan Champions. The match-up, anticipated by fans, ultimately did not take place due to geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
The viral clip, WCL explained, was actually filmed during the India Champions vs West Indies Champions match. In that footage, the India Champions team was seen entering the field while the Pakistan Champions team, having just completed their match against the Australia Champions, was walking off. The brief overlap of movement between the two teams was purely coincidental and not a walk-off or protest, as falsely suggested online.
“There has been no on-field interaction between the players of the two teams during this year’s tournament,” WCL confirmed. “We urge fans and media outlets to refrain from spreading misinformation.”
With emotions often running high around India-Pakistan cricket, WCL's prompt clarification serves as a reminder to verify content before accepting or amplifying it.
'Shame On Those Who...': Ravichandran Ashwin Refutes Controversial Statement On India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup & WCL Match
Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly denied a viral statement falsely attributed to him regarding the cancellation of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India vs Pakistan and India’s continued participation in the Asia Cup, especially against Pakistan.
The fabricated quote, widely circulated on social media, falsely claimed that Ashwin had said, "SMALL MONEY IS INVOLVED SO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF LEGENDS GOT CANCELLED BUT INDIA IS STILL PLAYING AGAINST PAKISTAN IN ASIA CUP AND BCCI HASN'T CANCELLED IT BECAUSE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY DECIDES THE LEVEL OF PATRIOTISM."
Reacting swiftly to the misinformation, Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) and rubbished the statement, urging people not to believe or promote such false narratives. In his post, he wrote, “Don’t associate me with this fake news. Shame on those who trigger all this.”
The baseless quote had sparked outrage online, as it appeared to suggest that financial incentives influenced India’s decision to continue playing against arch-rivals Pakistan, while a lower-profile tournament like the WCL was cancelled. However, Ashwin’s firm denial puts an end to any speculation around his alleged involvement in such a statement.
Ashwin, known for his articulate views and sharp cricketing mind, has never shied away from speaking out, but always with clarity, nuance, and responsibility. This fake quote, however, clearly crossed a line, prompting his quick and sharp rebuttal.
