'Is deshbhakti only for common people, not celebs?': Social media users react to India Champions vs Pakistan Champions in WCL

Former India and Pakistan cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Shahid Afridi, respectively.

Sachin Tendulkar's first international hundred: The Farokh Engineer connection, bbq and a swing!

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.

Former India cricketers, including Shikhar Dhawan Suresh Raina , and Irfan Pathan , are facing social media criticism for participating in the World Championship of Legends tournament alongside Pakistani players. The two neighbours will square off in Birmingham on Sunday, July 20.The controversy stems from their decision to play against Pakistan Champions months after the Pahalgam attack, which had led to heightened tensions between the two nations.The World Championship of Legends, now in its second season, features teams from India, Pakistan, England, West Indies, South Africa, and Australia. The tournament has drawn attention due to the participation of both Indian and Pakistani former players.Following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistani cricket star Shahid Afridi had made controversial statements against India on social media and reportedly conducted victory parades while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In response to Afridi's actions, Shikhar Dhawan had posted a strong message on social media in April: "Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge, bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!"The Indian team roster includes notable players like Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, and Harbhajan Singh, while the Pakistani side features Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik alongside Afridi.Social media users have questioned the apparent contradiction between the players' public stance and their participation in the private league. One user expressed their criticism on Twitter: "Indian ex cricketers like Harbhajan, Yuvraj & Dhawan are happily playing WCL matches vs Pakistan in a private league! But when it's public, they scream nationalism. Why does the Govt stay silent? Is deshbhakti only for common people, not celebs? Hypocrisy much?"Another social media user commented: "Shikhar Dhawan and Afridi did all that fake acting of patriotism in war just to play against each other again on Sunday. I am saying that again patriotism is only for normal public. India will also play with Pakistan in Asia cup too."

Click here to read article