India Champions and Pakistan Champions are set to clash in the semi-finals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 on 31 July in Birmingham. However, uncertainty looms large over whether the high-stakes game will go ahead, with political tensions between the two nations resurfacing as a major concern.
Earlier in the tournament, during the group stage, several Indian players had pulled out of the scheduled match against Pakistan following intense backlash on social media. This came in the wake of a terror attack in Pahalgam in April, which stirred public sentiment strongly against any sporting ties with Pakistan. Eventually, the group-stage match was called off.
India qualified for the semi-finals on 29 July after a dominant win over West Indies Champions, their first win of the tournament. That result set up a semi-final against arch-rivals Pakistan, but the same political concerns have now re-emerged.
Adding fuel to the situation, one of the tournament’s main sponsors, EaseMyTrip, has announced its decision to step away from supporting the semi-final. Co-founder Nishant Pitti made a clear and bold statement on social media, saying:“Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand. 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.”
Pitti also clarified that the company’s decision was not commercially driven but was based on public sentiment. “The people of India have spoken and we hear them,” he said. “Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later. Always.”
He further praised Team India’s recent performance in the tournament, saying: “We applaud Team India for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends.”
Shikhar Dhawan has also taken a firm stand, stating that he will not take part in the semi-final if it is played against Pakistan. The WCL organisers are yet to announce a final decision
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz