Tag: Ben Dunk

Former Australian wicket-keeper Ben Dunk has expressed his disappointment after the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan Champions was called off in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

The much-anticipated Pakistan-India fixture, scheduled for Sunday at Edgbaston, was set to be one of the marquee contests of the WCL 2025.

However, the match between the arch-rivals was unexpectedly cancelled, leaving fans and cricketing circles disheartened.

Speaking at a media interaction following the cancellation, Dunk emphasised the power of cricket to bring people together.

“As a cricket lover myself, I love all forms of cricket, the more cricket, the better,” he said.

“Everyone has the right to pick and choose what they watch or support, and I respect everyone’s point of view. I hope that, going forward, sports can be a uniting factor.”

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The cancellation sparked a wave of reactions online and offline, with many former cricketers also weighing in.

Among them was Brett Lee, who had earlier urged for unity and sportsmanship to rise above politics during the tournament.

“I love India, I love Pakistan. So I hope they can reach a resolution where they appreciate each other,” Lee stated.

“But most importantly, we are here for a tournament. What happened last night is unfortunate, but we move forward.”

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is currently taking place in England, featuring retired international stars from around the world.

READ: Pakistan likely to include THIS player in Playing XI for second Bangladesh T20I

KARACHI: The Australian cricketers – Ben Dunk and James Faulkner who are representing Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators respectively in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7 think that Australia will enjoy playing in Pakistan.

With Australia’s historic tour to Pakistan is just around the corner, the two compatriots have thrown their weight for the tour scheduled from March 4 to April 5, while speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) digital.

The left-handed explosive batter – Dunk, who is representing the Qalandars in this year’s PSL thinks that it is important that the cricket is coming back to Pakistan, while also hoping that the fans will enjoy good performances regardless of where they’re coming from.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to speak to a few of the guys who are planning on coming over here. It’s certainly different to what we are used to at home. But, it’s important that cricket does come back to Pakistan and you get to play at home as you play away,” he said.

“So, for the boys that are coming out, I think they can expect to a population that loves cricket and good performances, whether they’re from the home team or the away team. It would just be an amazing thing for world cricket,” he added.

Having represented Australia in 94 matches across all the formats, Faulkner also backed Dunk and said that the 31-years-old stated, ‘I’m excited to watch Australia play in Pakistan’, also claimed that the Test matches are going to be challenging because of the different conditions and pitches here in the country.

“There are going to be challenging wickets in the Test matches to feature two very good teams.  I am sure the Australian players are going to be tested and will enjoy playing against some quality players,” he said.

Faulkner also revealed that the Aussies last visited Pakistan the same year when he came over for an under-19 trip and was only 17 back then.

“It has been a long time since Australia came to Pakistan. In fact, it was probably the same year I came over for an under-19 trip when I was 17. I think it is important for cricket to be back in Pakistan, hence, why I’m here as well. I have travelled all around the world, so there is no exception for me not to come here,” he said.

Furthermore, Faulkner also added that it is great for the cricket in general and also claimed that he gets to know the culture here a bit more.

“I think it’s great for cricket in general. Having played here in Pakistan for almost four years, I’ve got to experience a bit of the culture,” he said.

Dunk, on the other hand, expressed hope that the COVID-19 situation in the country allows as many fans to get into the grounds as possible.

“I’m hoping the COVID situation allows as many fans to get into the grounds as possible because I think it would be a really amazing atmosphere for a lot of the Australian players to experience,” he said.

READ: Afridi, Roy join Quetta Gladiators’ training session

Abu Dhabi: Lahore Qalandars’ overseas player Ben Dunk has injured himself while doing catching practice, the franchise confirmed.
According to details, the wicketkeeper-batsman Dunk got hit on his lips. He ended up with seven stitches and also underwent surgery for realignment of his lips.
Qalandars are hopeful that Dunk will recover before their match against Islamabad United, scheduled on June 9.

Read: Five cricketers still await UAE visas for PSL 6