Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has reportedly raised concerns after discovering that his name was being used in connection with a T20 tournament without his knowledge or consent. The matter relates to the World T20 Continental Cup, where Dhawan says he was being presented as a participant despite not having authorised the association.

The incident has raised concerns about the unauthorised use of a cricketer's identity and the possibility of fans being misled by misleading tournament promotions.

Shikhar Dhawan Objects to the Unauthorised Use of His Name

According to the supplied report, Dhawan addressed the issue through a post on his former social media handle on October 13 at around 10:25 pm.

He reportedly stated that his name was being used in connection with the World T20 Continental Cup without his permission. Dhawan also indicated that he and his team had taken notice of the matter and were considering the necessary legal action.

The allegation has drawn attention to the importance of obtaining a player's consent before using their name to promote a sporting event.

Could Cricket Fans Be Misled?

The unauthorised use of a well-known cricketer's name can create confusion among fans, particularly when a tournament's promotional material suggests that a popular player will participate.

Supporters may rely on such claims when deciding whether to follow an event, purchase tickets or engage with tournament-related promotions.

However, the supplied report does not establish whether any fans suffered financial losses or whether the tournament organisers deliberately intended to mislead the public. Those details would require further verification.

Shikhar Dhawan Retired from International and Domestic Cricket

Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket in August 2024. Since then, his participation in competitive cricket has been limited to opportunities such as permitted T20 leagues and other events.

His retirement does not, by itself, prevent him from participating in a private or franchise-based tournament. However, any claim that he is appearing in a particular competition should be verified through an official announcement or confirmation from his representatives.

In this case, Dhawan reportedly disputes the use of his name in connection with the World T20 Continental Cup.

Legal Action Could Follow

Dhawan's reported response suggests that his team is taking the matter seriously. If his name has been used without authorisation, potential legal options would depend on the circumstances, the promotional material involved and the applicable law.

An official response from the tournament organisers could help clarify how Dhawan's name came to be associated with the event and whether the listing has been corrected.

What Happens Next?

The immediate question is whether the tournament organisers will respond to Dhawan's allegations and remove or correct any unauthorised references to him.

For fans, the incident serves as a reminder to verify player participation through official tournament channels and the athletes' own social media accounts before relying on promotional claims.