In a dramatic and politically charged turn of events at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, the much-anticipated semi-final clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was officially called off. The India Champions, a team of cricketing legends including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan, opted to withdraw from the semi-final match, upholding a principled stand in the wake of escalating Indo-Pak tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The decision—both applauded and debated—was driven by a collective belief that "some things are bigger than sport."

The Backdrop: Tensions Beyond the Boundary

The India vs. Pakistan semi-final was one of the most anticipated fixtures in the WCL calendar. However, public outrage and a strong wave of nationalism following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in May 2025 cast a long shadow over the clash. The Indian legends had already boycotted their group-stage match against Pakistan earlier in the tournament, drawing both praise and criticism for their stance.

That group-stage match saw India and Pakistan awarded one point each due to the forfeit. Ironically, that single point played a pivotal role in helping the India Champions qualify for the semi-finals, despite having won only one match in the league stage.

“India ke liye kuch bhi”: Legends Speak Out

The India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh and comprising iconic names like Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan, were resolute in their refusal to play against Pakistan. Several members, including Harbhajan and Yusuf Pathan, are currently serving Members of Parliament, making their stand more than just symbolic.

“We are not playing against Pakistan. Our country and nation will always be at the top for us. India ke liye kuch bhi. We earned the right to wear the Indian jersey. We will never let our country down. Bharat Mata ki Jai,” said a team insider, speaking to the media.

Rather than allowing another controversy to erupt on the eve of the knockout match, the players withdrew voluntarily, prompting tournament organisers to officially cancel the semi-final and grant Pakistan a walkover into the final.

Indian team packing their bags and knocked out out of WCL 🇮🇳
Lala watching them from the balcony. #WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/zpmffXfqWE— TEAM AFRIDI (@TEAM_AFRIDI) July 30, 2025

WCL Organisers Acknowledge the Sentiment

The WCL organisers issued a formal statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation:

“At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. However, public sentiment must always be respected – after all, everything we do is for our audience.

“We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete. Taking all factors into consideration, the match has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final.”

The second semi-final will now decide who joins Pakistan in the final — either South Africa Champions or Australia Champions. This statement highlighted the complex relationship between sport and diplomacy, and how cricket often becomes a microcosm of broader geopolitical climates.

Sponsor Backlash: Nation First, Business Later

The move to withdraw was also backed by EaseMyTrip, a major sponsor of the WCL and vocal critic of Indo-Pak sporting ties post the terror attack. Nishant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, made a strong statement on social media:

“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.”

The company’s stance lent commercial validation to the India Champions’ decision and highlighted how sponsors, too, are increasingly factoring public sentiment and national issues into their branding and partnerships.

Shahid Afridi’s Misjudged Prediction

Adding fuel to the fire was a provocative remark made earlier by Pakistan Champions captain Shahid Afridi, who had stated,

“Pata nahi ab kis muh se khelga par khelega hamare sath hi” (Don’t know with what face India will play, but they will have to play against us).

The comment, meant as banter, turned ironic when India stood firm and refused to face Pakistan, forcing Afridi and his team to watch from the sidelines as the fixture was called off.

The incident underscores the intensity of the rivalry and the complexities involved when national identity intersects with international sport.

India’s On-Field Struggles in WCL 2025

While the withdrawal became the central story, it’s worth noting that India’s performance in the group stage was far from dominant. The team won only one out of five matches, that too in their final group-stage game against West Indies Champions. The critical victory, achieved in just 13.2 overs chasing 145, helped them sneak into the semi-finals by net run rate. Notably, they also received one point from their forfeited match against Pakistan earlier, which played a decisive role in their qualification.

Yusuf Pathan’s explosive finish against West Indies provided a glimmer of the old magic, but political realities overshadowed their on-field redemption.

Semi - Finals Update ! pic.twitter.com/lTmh3j0sSP— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 30, 2025

Pakistan Champions: Table Toppers by Performance

Led by Mohammad Hafeez, the Pakistan Champions were the dominant side in the league stage, winning four out of five matches. Their clash against India in the group stage was the only one not played. With 9 points, they topped the table and were set to face fourth-placed India in the semi-final — until the latter pulled out.

Now, Pakistan will advance directly to the final where they will face the winner of the Australia Champions vs. South Africa Champions semi-final, scheduled for Saturday, August 2 at Edgbaston.

Mixed Reactions: Applause and Criticism

While many applauded the India Champions’ patriotic stand, others questioned the timing and consistency of the boycott.

Critics argue that the team should have made a clearer decision before entering the tournament, rather than backing out at key stages. Yet, supporters contend that circumstances changed, and with the evolving national sentiment post-attack and Operation Sindoor, the players had no option but to respond with solidarity and integrity.

Where Does This Leave Cricket?

While many around the world have long hoped that India-Pakistan cricket could serve as a bridge in turbulent times, the WCL 2025 incident reminds us that context matters. In the wake of terrorism, national emotion often trumps sporting diplomacy.

As Pakistan prepare for the final, the absence of an India-Pakistan showdown—once dubbed the marquee event of the tournament—leaves a bittersweet void. What could have been a legendary clash of titans instead became a symbol of patriotic protest.

And in that choice, the India Champions have drawn a line—one that says: For us, playing for India doesn’t end on the pitch.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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