How an Old Photo Sparked a New Storm in India-Pakistan Cricket Diplomacy

 

 What happened?

A photo featuring Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn alongside former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has sparked controversy amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions following a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian tourists. The image circulated online as though it depicted a recent meeting, fueling backlash—particularly because Afridi had reportedly made some  remarks about the Indian Army and even held what many labeled a victory parade after “Operation Sindoor” .This was truely owed to hi patriotic feelings

 What’s the real story behind the image?

• It’s old, not new: The photo is from the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) held in 2024 at Edgbaston, Birmingham—not recently as some suggested ).

• Devgn’s role: Ajay Devgn is a co-owner of the WCL and attended matches in 2024. He and Afridi were photographed interacting at that time).

• No link to Pahalgam: The image’s timing has been exploited to suggest Devgn was openly fraternizing with Afridi in the wake of the Pahalgam attack—but that narrative is misleading and untrue .

 Why did the WCL match get canceled?

• The planned India vs Pakistan exhibition match set for July 20, 2025, at Edgbaston was called off following public outrage and a boycott by several former Indian players (like Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina)—who withdrew due to the Pahalgam attack and Afridi’s  comments .

• WCL organizers officially apologized, stating they never intended to hurt sentiments and merely wanted to provide fans with a joyful cricketing experience).

what this means for public sentiment

• Emotional flashpoint: Even an old photo can become a flashpoint when national emotions are raw. The timing—soon after a terror attack and amidst strong narratives of patriotism—amplified the reaction.

• Power of optics: Celebrities and sports figures are held to high symbolic standards. A friendly photo is interpreted not just as personal behavior, but as a political or moral statement.

• Media dynamics: Misplaced timestamps and lack of fact-checking spread misinformation quickly, sparking outrage before the full story emerged. Once clarified, the move to cancel the match stood justified in many eyes, reflecting a collective sense of national sentiment.

• Cricket diplomacy: Historically, cricket has been a bridge between India and Pakistan. But in moments of heightened conflict, even veteran players find their presence alien. The WCL clash was one such flashpoint—its cancellation reinforces how deeply politics and public sentiment remain intertwined with sports. Afridi’s reaction—calling out a “bad egg” in the Indian setup—adds another layer to the narrative, suggesting internal tensions within Indian camps and stoking cross-border resentment).

Final takeaway

Ajay Devgn and Shahid Afridi did meet and share a few words—in 2024, at the inaugural WCL—not in response to or after the Pahalgam incident. The photo’s recent recirculation amid a sensitive moment made it explosive. This episode serves as a caution: in emotionally charged times, even outdated media can ignite tempers, reshape public discourse, and have real consequences—like the cancellation of a sports fixture. It underscores the delicate balance of sports, fandom, national pride, and media responsibility in both India and Pakistan.

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