The India vs Pakistan clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 got abruptly cancelled on Saturday, triggering a wave of disappointment and controversy. As emotions ran high on social media, a series of photos went viral showing Bollywood actor and WCL co-owner Ajay Devgn in conversation with former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi. The timing of these images fueled speculation and outrage, with many accusing Devgn of fraternizing with Afridi shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 Indian tourist lives.
The viral photos of Ajay Devgn interacting with Shahid Afridi: Context and fans outrage
The images—which surfaced in the hours after the match’s cancellation—show Devgn interacting with Afridi at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham. Given Afridi’s past remarks regarding the Indian Army and the current strained relations, the backlash was swift. Netizens condemned the meeting, questioning Devgn’s patriotism and motives. Criticism intensified as hashtags and memes targeted the Bollywood star for allegedly “prioritizing PR over national sentiment,” with calls to boycott his upcoming film ‘Son of Sardar 2’ also trending on social media.
Look how shamelessly ajay Devgn hugging and meeting with the same shahid afridi who called Indian army as the terror army
Shameless @ajaydevgn pic.twitter.com/KkUE6CD5ZV
— Manshi Singh (@RealManshi1) July 20, 2025
Co-owner of WCL Mr. Ajay Devgn is joking around with Shahid Afridi, the same person who was blaming India after the Pahalgam attack and was speaking nonsense about India while holding rallies after #OperationSindoor
Our Bollywood star @ajaydevgn is maintaining friendly… pic.twitter.com/mj93g80jBO
— Devesh Pandey (@iamdevvofficial) July 20, 2025
What really happened between Ajay Devgn and Shahid Afridi?
Amid swirling rumours, a thorough fact-check reveals a crucial truth: Ajay Devgn did indeed meet and chat with Shahid Afridi, but not during WCL 2025. The photos in question are actually from the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends, held at Edgbaston in 2024.
Devgn, as a co-owner of the tournament, was present for the final match between India and Pakistan in July 2024.
India won that final, with both cricket legends and celebrities attending.
The images now circulating were taken at this earlier edition and have no connection to the recent political or social developments.
The current WCL situation
The 2025 season was marred by tragedy and controversy even before the viral images surfaced:
The scheduled India vs Pakistan match was cancelled following public outrage after several deaths in the Pahalgam terror attack.
Star Indian cricketers, including Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina, withdrew in protest.
Organizers issued a public apology, emphasizing their intent to bring joy to cricket fans and expressing regret for any hurt sentiments.
