Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan recently shut down a journalist with a sharp response when asked whether he would play against Pakistan in a potential semi-final or final in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Visibly annoyed, Dhawan replied, “You’re asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn’t have asked it. And even if I didn’t play earlier, I still won’t play now.” Shikhar Dhawan angry reply on If Pakistan reaches the semi-final against you… will you still play, or ask for a day off? 😄🇵🇰🇮🇳 #WCL25 pic.twitter.com/d96yRQpsp2 — Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) July 26, 2025 The question came just a week after the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan league game was cancelled. Dhawan had already made his stance public on July 17 by sharing a screenshot of a mail he sent to WCL organisers as early as May 11. The message clearly stated his refusal to participate in any match involving Pakistan. His boycott came before the scheduled game on July 18. Points were eventually shared between the two sides, but the potential for them to meet in the knockouts remains. While Dhawan was the only Indian player to announce a personal boycott, speculation continues around the next steps. Read also: KL Rahul Scripts History, becomes 2nd Asian Opener to Score 500+ Runs in England Test Series Asia Cup 2025 Adds New Layer to India-Pakistan Equation In a related development, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed that India will host the 2025 Asia Cup. This time, the tournament will feature eight teams, with India and Pakistan placed in the same group. That sets up the possibility of them playing each other up to three times: group stage, Super Four, and final. And this has created massive turmoil in the kind of patriotism shown by Indians on bigger stages. In a recent interview, former Indian captain Mohammed Azaruddin said that India should avoid big matches if they can avoid bilateral series too. he said, "I always say that everything should happen, or if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't play international events too, that's what I believe. But whatever the government and the board decide will happen..." The Asia Cup was supposed to be hosted by India. However, due to the building tensions between India and Pakistan, the tournament has been shifted to UAE.