Image of Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn meeting former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi have gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of criticism and anger among Indian fans. Many users alleged that the interaction took place during the 2025 edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. However, a closer look at the facts reveals a different story.
Fans Reaction to the viral image
Did Ajay Devgn meet Shahid Afridi on sidelines of WCL 2025?
Yes, Ajay Devgn did meet Shahid Afridi but not this year. The viral images doing the rounds are from the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends, held in 2024 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Devgn, who co-owns the T20 tournament, was in attendance at the stadium during the final match between India and Pakistan, which India won.
WCL 2025 Match Cancelled Amid Public Outrage
The controversy stems from the scheduled India vs Pakistan legends match that was set to take place on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Edgbaston. However, after massive backlash on social media, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives the organisers decided to cancel the match on the very day it was to be held.
Several prominent former Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina, opted out of the contest. Dhawan later clarified that he had informed the organisers as early as May 11 about his decision not to play in the match against Pakistan.
This withdrawals further intensified pressure on the organisers, eventually leading to the match’s cancellation.
Shahid Afridi on cancellation of India vs Pakistan match
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi was left dissapointed after India's abrupt withdrawal from the much-anticipated World Championship of Legends (WCL) clash against Pakistan, calling the move a setback.
Reacting to the turn of events, Afridi urged both nations to keep politics away from the cricket field. The former Pakistan skipper said, “We are here to play cricket, and I've always said that cricket should be kept away from politics it should move forward. A player should be a good ambassador, not a source of embarrassment for their country.”
