Shikhar Dhawan's Name Was Used Without Permission - Here's How He Responded

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-20

Imagine waking up one morning and finding out you're supposedly playing in a major cricket tournament you never agreed to join. That's exactly what happened to former India opener Shikhar Dhawan - and he wasn't about to let it slide. On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Dhawan publicly rejected his selection for the Asia Warriors team after organizers of the World T20 Continent Cup added his name to their roster without his consent. What followed was a swift, firm response that raises some uncomfortable questions about how these exhibition leagues operate. ### The Statement That Started It All Dhawan took to X (formerly Twitter) at 9:55 AM IST to set the record straight with his millions of followers. His message was clear and direct: > "I have come across my name as a participant in the World T20 Continent Cup. My name has been used by the organizers without my knowledge or permission, and my team will be taking the appropriate legal steps to address this." He didn't stop there. The 40-year-old batter also asked journalists and fans to ignore any unverified announcements, thanking his supporters for standing by him through the controversy. It was a textbook example of how a public figure can take control of a narrative before it spirals. ### What the Squad List Actually Looked Like The promotional materials placed Dhawan at the helm of a 24-member Asia Warriors squad. Alongside him were other former Indian internationals like spinner Rahul Sharma, all-rounder Gurkeerat Singh Mann, and fast bowler Abhimanyu Mithun. The roster also mixed in retired Pakistani players such as Sohail Tanvir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Muhammad Imran Khan. International names like Dwayne Smith from the West Indies and Bangladeshi veterans Rubel Hossain and Mahmudullah Riyadh rounded out the list. Cricket fans were understandably surprised. Dhawan has never been shy about his political stance on national security matters. In 2025, during regional tensions, he posted strong patriotic statements on X. He also backed the decision that led the India Champions team to withdraw from a semifinal against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends. Given that history, seeing his name grouped with Pakistani players in a league he never agreed to join raised more than a few eyebrows. ### The Organizers' Response Said a Lot by Saying Very Little After Dhawan's public warning, the World T20 Continent Cup management posted an official statement on Instagram. They acknowledged he wouldn't be participating - but their explanation felt like it was missing the point entirely. - They cited "scheduling conflicts and certain technical considerations" - They offered no explanation for why his name appeared in the first place - They didn't address his allegations of unauthorized brand usage at all That brief response left the core issue untouched. League marketers had reportedly been using Dhawan's name and image to promote ticket sales and broadcast visibility. And according to him, none of it was approved. ### Why This Matters Beyond Cricket This isn't just a story about one athlete and one tournament. It's a reminder of how valuable a name and reputation can be - and how easily they can be borrowed without permission in the rush to sell tickets. For professionals in sports management, marketing, and event planning, the takeaway is straightforward. Using an athlete's likeness or name without written consent isn't just bad PR. It's a legal risk that can escalate quickly, especially when the person involved has the resources and the will to fight back. Dhawan's decision to involve his legal team sends a message that reputations aren't up for grabs. Whether the organizers intended it or not, they now face the possibility of formal legal action - and a public relations headache that no amount of Instagram statements can easily fix.