Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has denied agreeing to play in the inaugural World T20 Continent Cup after discovering that his name had been announced as part of the Asia Warriors squad. Shikhar Dhawan publicly said the organisers had used his name without his knowledge or permission and that his team would take appropriate legal steps. He also urged journalists and fans not to rely on announcements about his participation unless they had been authorised. The issue has raised questions about how the tournament’s player list was assembled and confirmed.

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Shikhar Dhawan Rejects Participation Claim

Shikhar Dhawan addressed the matter in a post on X on Tuesday, 13 October. He said he had come across his name as a participant in the competition and had not given permission for it to be used. His statement made clear that he was not confirming a late withdrawal; he was disputing the claim that he had agreed to take part in the first place. The former India international asked media outlets and supporters to avoid circulating unauthorised announcements. He added that his team would take the appropriate legal steps to address the matter.

Organisers confirm Shikhar Dhawan Will Not Play

The World T20 Continent Cup organisers later confirmed that Dhawan would not feature for Asia Warriors. Their explanation cited scheduling conflicts and certain technical considerations, but did not provide further detail about why his name had initially appeared in the squad announcement. No further public clarification has resolved that difference to date.

What is the World T20 Continent Cup?

The inaugural tournament is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong in December. It is expected to feature four teams: Asia Warriors, Europe Champions, Africa Lions and North America Eagles. Reports say the competition will bring together 49 retired cricketers.

Dhawan had been listed among the Asia Warriors, a squad announced with several former international players. The organisers’ confirmation means he should not be treated as a participant in the tournament unless a later, authorised update states otherwise. Other names reported in the squad include former India spinner Rahul Sharma, West Indies batter Dwayne Smith, and Bangladesh players Rubel Hossain and Mahmudullah Riyad.

Shikhar Dhawan’s International Career

Shikhar Dhawan represented India in Tests, one-day internationals and T20 internationals, earning particular recognition for his opening role in ODIs. He scored 6,793 runs in 167 ODI appearances, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. In Tests, he made 2,315 runs in 34 matches, while his 68 T20 internationals brought 1,759 runs.

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The immediate issue, however, is not his playing record but the use of his name in a tournament announcement. Fans searching for Asia Cup live updates should note that this dispute concerns the World T20 Continent Cup, a separate event. Any reporting on Dhawan’s involvement should reflect his public denial and the organisers’ subsequent confirmation that he will not play.

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Neha is the Co-Director & Editor at sportselite.in, drawn to the stories that give Sports their energy beyond the scoreboard. She brings clarity, context, and a human perspective to coverage across Elite Sports, from standout performances to shifting team dynamics and memorable contests. At sportselite.in, Neha helps turn complex sporting developments into engaging stories, keeping readers connected to the people and moments behind the action.

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