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India Champions Withdraw from WCL Semifinal Against Pakistan, Match Called Off in Birmingham
Pakistan Advance to Final After India Declines to Play
The highly anticipated semifinal clash between India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) was called off on Thursday, July 31, in Birmingham, after the Indian team refused to take the field against their traditional rivals. As a result, Pakistan have been awarded a walkover and will proceed directly to the final of the tournament.
The Indian legends had previously refused to face Pakistan in the league stage as well, citing objections over the presence of Shahid Afridi in the Pakistan squad. That stance has now extended into the knockout stage, with India standing firm on their position and pulling out of the scheduled semifinal.
Why India Refused to Play Against Pakistan
Tensions Beyond the Cricket Field
The decision to boycott the match comes against a backdrop of heightened political tensions and a wave of anti-Pakistan sentiment across India. The Indian players, several of whom are retired national stars, reportedly held strong views against facing a team featuring Afridi — a player who has frequently courted controversy in India with his public remarks.
India’s withdrawal has triggered wider conversation about the intersection of sports and national sentiment, especially in light of recent military operations. In May, India conducted Operation Sindoor, a targeted military response following a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The mood in the country since then has reflected growing opposition to sporting engagements with Pakistan.
Read more: India’s stand on Asia Cup matches against Pakistan
EaseMyTrip Pulls Out as Sponsor for Pakistan-Involved Matches
Corporate Backing for India Champions Only
A major development leading up to the semifinal was the announcement by EaseMyTrip, a principal sponsor of the WCL, disassociating itself from any match involving the Pakistan team. The company clarified that while they support the India Champions, they will not engage in matches where Pakistan participates, citing it as a matter of principle.
“EaseMyTrip proudly supports Team India. However, as a matter of policy, we do not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan,” the company stated in a press release. “This position was communicated to the WCL team from the very beginning.”
Their statement echoed sentiments shared by many Indian fans and stakeholders, reinforcing the broader socio-political context influencing this tournament.
Who’s Playing and Who’s Not?
Indian Legends Take a Firm Stand
The India Champions side includes former international stars such as Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Stuart Binny, and Piyush Chawla. Notably, Shikhar Dhawan, in a prior social media post in May, had reaffirmed his decision not to participate in matches involving Pakistan.
The team had qualified for the semifinals after a strong performance in the league stage, including a convincing victory over West Indies Champions on Tuesday. However, despite being in contention for the title, the players remained united in their refusal to play the semifinal.
What Happens Next in the Tournament?
With Pakistan automatically progressing, they will now face the winner of the South Africa vs Australia semifinal, which is scheduled to go ahead as planned. The final is expected to take place later this week, albeit under a cloud of controversy and mixed reactions from the global cricketing community.
For complete match schedules and team updates, visit the official WCL website.
