Shikhar Dhawan Announced Legal Action Against Organisers
The retired cricketer stated tournament organisers used his name without permission to promote an upcoming event.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Tennis
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Shikhar Dhawan has initiated legal action against Atherra Sports Pvt. Ltd. after the firm listed him on a team roster for the World T20 Continent Cup. Dhawan confirmed he never provided consent to participate in the tournament, which features retired international players.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on the unauthorized commercial use of a retired athlete's identity to promote a sporting event. Dhawan sought to clarify his status to fans and stakeholders after he was unexpectedly named to the Asia Warriors squad.
The tournament is slated to feature 60 retired international cricketers across 4 teams, with 9 total T20 matches scheduled. During his career, Dhawan played 34 Test matches, 167 ODI matches, and 68 T20 International matches.
The players
Shikhar Dhawan
He is a retired international cricketer who participated in 34 Test matches, 167 ODI matches, and 68 T20 International matches.
Atherra Sports Pvt. Ltd.
This is the company responsible for organising the World T20 Continent Cup tournament.
The details
Atherra Sports Pvt. Ltd. listed Dhawan as a member of the Asia Warriors squad on the official tournament website. The retired cricketer issued a formal statement on social media to confirm his non-participation in the event.
Timeline
August 2024: Shikhar Dhawan retired from professional cricket.
October 13, 2026: Dhawan released a statement regarding the unauthorised use of his name.
December 2026: The tournament is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong.
Season Trajectory
This dispute highlights a broader issue in the sports exhibition market, where organizers of newly formed leagues rely on the star power of retired players to drive interest. The controversy may complicate roster stability and legitimacy for the upcoming World T20 Continent Cup.
The legal action confirms that Dhawan will not compete in the December 2026 matches, impacting the roster for the Asia Warriors squad. Fans should be aware that the advertised player list for this tournament may not reflect actual participation.
The takeaway
Athletes often retain strict control over their image and likeness even after retiring from professional play. Organisers and event planners must obtain explicit, verifiable consent before including any high-profile figures in promotional materials or rosters.
Further reading
For more on international sports controversies, visit Tennis.
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Should tournament organizers face legal consequences for using a player's name without their consent?
