Rising tensions lead to high-profile India vs Pakistan clash being called off
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan semifinal at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) will not take place, as India Champions have formally withdrawn from the fixture citing political sensitivities. The decision follows heightened tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which had already led the Indian team to forgo their earlier league match against Pakistan.
According to multiple reports, the retired Indian internationals participating in the WCL—many of them national icons—have refused to play in the knockout fixture.
“Retired internationals players representing India Champions have refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham,”
— source close to the development, as quoted by PTI
India Champions had finished fourth in the points table after a critical win against West Indies Champions, while Pakistan Champions topped the group with nine points, securing their place in the final following India’s withdrawal.
Sponsor EaseMyTrip takes public stand: “Nation first, business later”
The political backdrop surrounding the fixture drew sharp reactions not just from players, but also from corporate sponsors. Travel company EaseMyTrip became the first major sponsor to publicly walk away from the event due to the India vs Pakistan pairing.
Co-founder Nishant Pitti voiced the company’s stance in a firm statement on X (formerly Twitter):
“We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends, you’ve made the nation proud. However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game. Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand. EaseMyTrip, we stand with India.”
“We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism. The people of India have spoken and we hear them. EaseMyTrip will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL. Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later. Always. Jai Hind.”
India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final
We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends, you’ve made the nation proud.
However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game, Terror and cricket cannot…
— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) July 30, 2025
The travel platform’s announcement quickly gained traction, with many online voicing support for the brand’s decision to prioritize national sentiment over commercial interest.
Shikhar Dhawan reiterates his refusal to play Pakistan
Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, one of the marquee players in the India Champions squad, was clear in his stance when asked about the prospect of facing Pakistan again in the WCL knockout stage. His earlier refusal to play in the league match had already made headlines.
“You’re asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn’t have asked it. And as I didn’t play earlier, I still won’t play now.”
— Shikhar Dhawan, as quoted by Hindustan Times
His response echoed the broader sentiment within the Indian squad, which includes former stars like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh—several of whom had also declined to participate in the earlier abandoned group-stage fixture against Pakistan.
WCL organizers confirm India’s withdrawal on X
The WCL organizers have since confirmed India’s withdrawal from the semifinal via a post on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Semi – Finals Update ! pic.twitter.com/lTmh3j0sSP
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 30, 2025
As a result, Pakistan Champions will progress to the final, where they will face the winner of the Australia Champions vs South Africa Champions semifinal.
Broader implications for India-Pakistan cricket
This latest standoff once again underscores how deeply intertwined geopolitics and cricket remain between the two nations. With the Asia Cup 2025 on the horizon—where India and Pakistan are slated to meet on September 14—uncertainty now clouds even official ICC and ACC-sanctioned fixtures.
The WCL saga also sets a precedent for similar pushback from players, sponsors, and fans in upcoming events, especially in the aftermath of recent military tensions and public outcry following the April attack.
