WCL 2025 Semifinal 1: India vs Pakistan called off over diplomatic tensions | CricTracker

India Champions have reportedly opted out of their semi-final clash against Pakistan Champions in the ongoing edition of the World Championship of Legends. The decision will be in line with their previous stance which saw the team boycott their group-stage match against Pakistan earlier in the tournament. Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, and Suresh Raina were the prominent players who had objected to playing the opposition on Sunday, July 20.

This particular decision, as per a report by NDTV Sports, comes on the back of a backlash across social media against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). For the unversed, the BCCI has been criticised after the announcement of the schedule of the Asia Cup, which will see India face Pakistan on September 14. There is a high probability that the two teams will take on each other at least one more time, on September 21 in the Super 4s clash. A possible third encounter could be played if India and Pakistan qualify for the final, which is scheduled for September 28.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations have plummeted following the recent Pahalgam terror attacks and India’s response to it by launching Operation Sindoor. There were reports regarding the postponement or the cancellation of the Asia Cup earlier. However, the tournament has been confirmed by the Asia Cricket Council (ACC). 

Earlier on Wednesday, one of the main sponsors of the WCL EaseMyTrip pulled out of the knockout fixture while standing firm on its longstanding policy of not engaging in any match involving Pakistan.

“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,” co-founder of the travel-tech company Nishant Pitti expressed in an official statement.

India Champions qualified for the semi-final via a thrilling five-wicket win with 40 deliveries to spare. A blistering unbeaten 21-ball 50 by Stuart Binny motored the Yuvraj Singh-led unit to track down the 145-run target in 13.2 overs. They were supposed to chase down the target within 14.4 overs, so as to pip England Champions to qualify for the semi-final.

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