Mumbai : India Champions have decided to not play in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 semifinal against Pakistan, according to sources. The decision will be in line with their previous stance which saw the side boycotting their group stage match against Pakistan as well. Players like Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla are members of the India Champions side.
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, agency reported, quoting sources. India took a similar stand like they did in the group-stage match against Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
The league stage game between the two nations was officially called off following strong objections from Indian players and a principal tournament sponsor. This decision was supported by public declarations from former India cricketers, including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, who stated they would not participate in the match.
Earlier on Wednesday, one of WCL’s main sponsors, EaseMyTrip, pulled out of the India-Pakistan WCL semifinal, reaffirming its longstanding policy of non-participation 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.
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, Nishant Pitti, co-founder of the travel-tech company said in a statement on Wednesday.
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