India Champions have declined to play against arch-rivals Pakistan Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). The two Asian giants were set to clash in the first semi-final on 31 July, but the fixture has now been cancelled. As a result, Pakistan Champions have advanced to the final after India Champions opted out of the semi-final, despite having finished fourth in the group with three points. Pakistan Champions had topped the group with nine points.
This is the second time in the same tournament that India Champions have boycotted a match against their arch-rivals.
“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 between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final,” said an official WCL release.
Several stars, including Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, and Yusuf Pathan, had also boycotted the group-stage match against Pakistan, which was scheduled for 20 July. The organisers later cancelled that match and awarded shared points to both teams.
The event organisers have announced a 50% refund on ticket prices for fans who had purchased tickets for the semi-final.
Australia Champions will face South Africa Champions on 31 July, with the winner progressing to take on Pakistan Champions in the final on 2 August.
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