Shikhar Dhawan's Name Was Used Without Permission — Here's What Happened Next

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-20

Imagine waking up, scrolling through your phone, and finding out you're supposedly playing in a cricket tournament you've never even heard of. That's essentially what happened to Shikhar Dhawan — except he's a household name, and the stakes were a lot higher than a simple misunderstanding. On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the former India opener found his name listed in the Asia Warriors squad for the World T20 Continent Cup. The problem? He never agreed to any of it. ### The Statement That Started It All Dhawan took to X (formerly Twitter) at 9:55 AM IST and set the record straight for his millions of followers. His message was calm but firm: > "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." He didn't stop there. Dhawan also asked journalists and fans to steer clear of any unverified announcements, thanking his supporters for sticking with him through the confusion. 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 organisers had placed Dhawan in a 24-member Asia Warriors squad — and even promoted him as the team's leader in social media posts. The roster was a mix of retired internationals from across the region. Alongside Dhawan, the list included: - Former Indian players like Rahul Sharma, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, and Abhimanyu Mithun - Pakistani names such as Sohail Tanvir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Muhammad Imran Khan - International stars like Dwayne Smith from the West Indies, plus Bangladeshi veterans Rubel Hossain and Mahmudullah Riyadh Cricket fans were understandably surprised. Dhawan has always been vocal about national security matters, and in 2025 he posted strong patriotic statements during regional tensions. He'd also backed the India Champions team's decision to withdraw from a semifinal against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends. Seeing his name attached to a cross-border squad announcement raised eyebrows — and that's putting it mildly. ### The Organisers' Response After Dhawan's public warning, the tournament management posted a statement on Instagram. They acknowledged he wouldn't be playing, but the explanation felt a little thin: "We regret to announce that Shikhar Dhawan will not be part of the Asia Warriors squad for the upcoming World T20 Continent Cup due to scheduling conflicts and certain technical considerations." Scheduling conflicts. Technical considerations. Notice what's missing? Any acknowledgment that they used his name without permission in the first place. They never addressed his allegation of unauthorised brand usage, and the silence spoke volumes. ### Why This Matters Beyond Cricket This isn't just a cricket story. It's a reminder of how easily a person's name and reputation can be used to sell tickets and boost broadcast visibility — sometimes without anyone asking. For athletes, especially retired ones, their name is their brand. Protecting it isn't vanity; it's business. Dhawan's decision to involve his legal team sends a clear message: consent isn't optional. Whether you're a cricketer, a business owner, or anyone with a public profile, your name has value. And when someone uses it without asking, you have every right to push back. ### The Bottom Line Dhawan won't be playing in the World T20 Continent Cup, and the organisers have quietly confirmed it. But the bigger question — why his name was on that list in the first place — remains unanswered. For now, fans can expect to see him off the field and in the courtroom if this dispute goes the distance. And honestly? He's got a solid case.