Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has threatened legal action against the organisers of the World T20 Continent Cup after his name was included in the tournament's
list of participants without his knowledge or permission. The former India international has denied any involvement in the competition and urged the media and fans not to rely on unauthorised announcements.
Dhawan addressed the issue on Tuesday through a post on X, formerly Twitter, after reports emerged that he was set to represent Asia Warriors in the tournament. The squad reportedly includes several Pakistani cricketers, adding to the surprise surrounding his purported 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. I request the media and my fans to not report or rely on any unauthorised announcements. Thank you for your continued love and support," Dhawan wrote.
Shikhar Dhawan Denies Participation in World T20 Continent Cup
Dhawan's statement made clear that he had not authorised the use of his name in connection with the tournament. He also confirmed that his team would pursue appropriate legal steps over the matter.
The former Punjab Kings captain was reportedly listed as part of the Asia Warriors squad, but he has distanced himself from the event and cautioned against circulating claims about his participation.
Dhawan was not the only former India cricketer named in the reported squad. Rahul Sharma, Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Abhimanyu Mithun were also listed among the team's members.
The 24-member Asia Warriors squad reportedly features several Pakistani players, including Sohail Tanvir, Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Imran Khan.
Dhawan's Past Comments on Pakistan Resurface
The reported inclusion of Dhawan in a team featuring Pakistani cricketers drew attention given his public comments during the heightened India-Pakistan tensions in 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Dhawan had previously expressed support for India's stand against terrorism on social media.
"India takes a stand against terrorism. Bharat Mata Ki Jai," he wrote in one post.
In another message, he criticised Pakistan, writing: "Ghatiya desh ne fir apna ghatiyapan poori duniya ke aage dikha diya. #Pakistan #Ceasefire. "
His earlier remarks added context to the reaction surrounding the tournament's reported squad announcement. However, Dhawan's latest statement centred on the unauthorised use of his name, with the former opener making no claim about the participation of other players.
Legal Action Possible Over Unauthorised Use of Name
Dhawan has said his team will take appropriate legal steps to address the matter, although he has not publicly detailed the nature of the proposed action.
The incident raises questions about how the tournament organisers arrived at the reported squad list and whether the players named had consented to participate. Dhawan's statement establishes that he has denied involvement and objected to the use of his name.
The organisers' response, if any, was not included in the reports provided. Until further clarification emerges, Dhawan has asked media organisations and fans to avoid treating unauthorised announcements about his participation as confirmed.
