Gofrixty [22 July 2025] – The organisers called off the much-hyped Pakistan-India veterans’ match after the Indian players pulled out of the game.With the match set to be in the UAE, the game was intended to feature the former stars from both sides for a friendly battle for reputed supremacy.
Tensions mounted after leading Indian veterans told a gathering of the organizers they would not be taking part.Multiple golfers cited “unforseen circumstances” and logistical issues as the reasons behind their decision to withdraw, sources with the event said.Organiser decided to even cancel the event totally.”
The game had fans in both countries buzzing. All cricket fans eagerly anticipated the return to the crease of cricket greats such as Shahid Afridi, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Yousuf and Virender Sehwag. The sports networks had anticipated hours upon hours of coverage, and ticket sales had started to ramp up.
Also Read:
A lot of former Pakistani cricketers vented their hurt after the call-off. Some of them had already returned to the UAE and finished their training stints. Shahid Afridi went to social media and called for both the countries to dump politics and personal grudges. He urged the teams to come together in sportsmanship and for the two countries to make peace.
Organizers said they will offer refunds for tickets and will consider rescheduling the event for the future. They also thanked their sponsors and fans for their support and patience.
No cricket boards in either country took out official endorsement but former players had led the push to return to a more civilised sporting relationship.The abrupt withdrawal, however, dashed such hopes for now.
The cancellation shows continuing tension between the two nations’ sporting relations. Despite a history of attempts to disentangle sports from politics, off-field tensions have continued to impact friendly contests. Now, fans are just praying that any future ones can succeed where this attempt failed.
Follow Gofrixty on | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube