Shahid Afridi–Ajay Devgn Viral Image Ignites WCL India–Pakistan Controversy
A resurfaced photo of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi shaking hands and chatting with Bollywood star and WCL co-owner Ajay Devgn has sparked outrage—just as several Indian legends withdrew from the scheduled India vs Pakistan match in the ongoing World Championship of Legends. The match at Edgbaston was called off amid growing backlash following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and Afridi’s controversial remarks.
The Viral Image Incident
On July 20, fans noticed a photo circulating on social media showing Ajay Devgn smiling and conversing with Shahid Afridi in WCL uniforms. The image was interpreted as being from the 2025 tournament, fueling anger that Indian legends’ participation was normalized so soon after the Pahalgam tragedy, which claimed 26 lives.
Indian Legends Withdraw
High-profile names including Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan officially pulled out from the India Legends squad—citing national sentiment and solidarity with victims.
Public Reaction & Fan Outrage
Social media erupted with criticism:
- Many viewers accused Devgn of insincerity and opportunistic patriotism.
- Fans commented: “So‑called patriotism…for PR only,” highlighting resentment over weighing celebrity moments over national sentiment.
- Actor’s upcoming release Son of Sardar 2 drew additional scrutiny, with calls to boycott due to perceived misalignment with public mood.
Fact-Check: Was the Image Recent?
Investigation revealed the photo dates back to the inaugural WCL in 2024. Ajay Devgn and Afridi were photographed during a sideline chat at Edgbaston. The image was misrepresented as part of the 2025 event, exacerbating public backlash just as the match was canceled.
Organisers Respond
The WCL management issued a public apology, stating they “unintentionally caused discomfort” and “hurt sentiments.” They clarified that the aim was “to bring joy,” not provoke political debate. The India–Pakistan clash was officially canceled due to growing tensions.
Shahid Afridi’s Reaction
Following the pull-out, Afridi criticized the decision, hinting at internal dissent: “There’s one bad egg,” suggesting some Indian legends drove the boycott. The tone underscored his disappointment and maintained pressure on the controversy.
Wider Implications
This controversy offers clear takeaways:
- Sport & Politics Collision: Veteran matches aren’t immune to geopolitical sensitivities. Fan sentiment can dramatically shape event outcomes.
- Celebrity Accountability: Non-sports personalities like Devgn are scrutinized just as athletes are, particularly when linked to national issues.
- Need for Fact-Checks: Viral images can be misleading; organizers and fans now demand verification before reactions.
- WCL’s Future: Repeated cancellations risk franchise credibility and sponsor confidence.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | India vs Pakistan WCL Legends Match |
| Date/Venue | July 20, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham |
| Dhawan, Yuvraj, Raina, Harbhajan, Irfan, Yusuf | |
| Viral Image | Ajay Devgn & Shahid Afridi—pic from WCL 2024, misrepresented as 2025. |
| Organisers’ Apology | Match canceled; apology for “hurting sentiments” |
| Afridi’s Comment | “There’s one bad egg” among Indian legends |
| Broader Impact | Highlights tension between sport, celebrity roles, and politics |
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions or forming opinions based on it.
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