What will happen if Pakistan boycotts WCL 2025 Semi-Final vs India?

India to face Pakistan in WCL semi-final clash

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is heading into its knockout phase, but there are still doubts over the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan semi-final clash scheduled for July 31 in Birmingham. While India dramatically sealed their semi-final spot with a thrilling win over the West Indies, their upcoming scheduled game against arch-rivals, Pakistan, has grabbed significant attention.

India goes past England on NRR to confirm semi-final berth

India qualified after chasing 145 in 13.2 overs to edge past England on Net Run Rate. Stuart Binny and Yusuf Pathan’s respective knocks earned the team a fourth-place finish on the table. Pakistan, on the other hand, cruised through the league stage, topping the table with four wins out of five. As per the original fixture, India are slated to face Pakistan in Semi-final 1, while Australia face South Africa in Semi-final 2. 

Major brand pulls out of India-Pakistan semis clash

The India-Pakistan clash was already in question after the former pulled out of their group-stage game against Pakistan, citing the heightened political tensions. The called-off game resulted in shared points. Meanwhile, a similar situation is around the corner at the knockout stage. Notably, one of the tournament’s major sponsors, EaseMyTrip, has withdrawn support for the semi-final after co-founder Nishant Pitti announced on social media.

“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 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,” he wrote on X.

Major advising brands, particularly those based in India, are under pressure to dissociate from the contest. EaseMyTrip’s public withdrawal has triggered suspicion among other sponsors. 

Interestingly, while many felt India might boycott the semi-final again, there is a chance of the Pakistan team surprising everyone by pulling out of the clash.

With India having boycotted the earlier match and a major sponsor withdrawing support, Pakistan pulling out could change the story completely. Pakistan may choose not to push for the match amidst political and public pressure in India. With Pakistan having finished at the top, they could argue that they deserve a direct entry to the final if India withdraws or if the fixture collapses altogether. 

Scenario 1: Exchange of Semi-Final opponents

If the WCL board agrees, a reshuffle could be initiated where India faces either South Africa or Australia instead of Pakistan in Semi-final 2. Similarly, Pakistan would take the spot in Semi-final 1. This solution could prevent a direct India-Pakistan faceoff.

This could also allow both teams to compete and potentially meet in the final if they manage to win their respective semi-final game. However, this would require full consent from all four semi-finalist teams and may not go down well with some teams.

Scenario 2: Pakistan given direct entry to final

Given Pakistan’s solid performance and their top-table finish, another controversial possibility is that they receive a walkover or automatic qualification to the final if the match gets cancelled or India opts out again. However, such a decision could trigger strong reactions from the Indian team, who may feel it is an unfair method to determine a winner.

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us: