Shikhar Dhawan Angry After Being Named in Team With Pakistan Players, Warns of Legal Action
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Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has threatened legal action against the organisers of the World T20 Continent Cup after his name appeared in the Asia Warriors squad alongside several Pakistani cricketers. Dhawan has clarified that he never gave permission to participate in the tournament and alleged that the organisers used his name without his knowledge or consent.
The controversy erupted after Dhawan was reportedly announced as a member of the Asia Warriors team for the upcoming competition, which is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong in December 2026. Following the announcement, the former Indian batter took to social media to clarify his position and warn of appropriate legal steps against those responsible.
Shikhar Dhawan Issues Strong Statement
Dhawan addressed the controversy through a post on X on October 13, making it clear that he had no involvement in the tournament. He also urged the media and his supporters not to rely on unauthorised announcements regarding his participation.
“I have come across my name as a participant in the World T20 Continent Cup. My name has been used by the organisers without my knowledge or permission, and my team will be taking the appropriate legal steps to address this,” Dhawan wrote.
He further requested journalists and fans not to circulate reports suggesting that he would play in the competition unless the information was officially authorised.
His statement makes clear that the central issue, according to Dhawan, is the alleged unauthorised use of his name rather than any confirmed participation in the tournament.
Why Did Dhawan's Name Create a Controversy?
The announcement attracted attention because the Asia Warriors squad reportedly included several former Pakistan internationals, including Iftikhar Ahmed, Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Imran Khan.
Dhawan was among the Indian players reportedly listed in the squad, alongside former cricketers Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Rahul Sharma and Abhimanyu Mithun. The announcement surprised cricket followers, with questions emerging over the participation of Indian players alongside their Pakistani counterparts in the proposed tournament.
However, Dhawan's public clarification has established that he does not consider himself a participant in the event. His name appearing on the announced roster should therefore not be interpreted as confirmation that he agreed to play.
World T20 Continent Cup Set for Hong Kong
The World T20 Continent Cup is being promoted as a competition featuring former international cricketers representing teams from different regions. The Asia Warriors are among the sides associated with the event, which is expected to feature retired players from several cricketing nations.
The reported inclusion of players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has brought additional attention to the Asia Warriors squad. Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding Dhawan centres on his claim that his name was included without authorisation.
As of October 14, 2026, reports have indicated that the organisers confirmed Dhawan would not participate in the tournament. His warning of legal action has put the spotlight on the need for tournament organisers to verify player consent before announcing participants publicly.
