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WCL 2025: India–Pakistan Legends Semi-final Called Off
Updated - 31-JUL-2025 5:13 IST
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 semi-final between India and Pakistan, originally scheduled to take place in Birmingham, has been formally canceled. Pakistan will now go straight to the final.
What Led to the Cancellation?
Indian Players Boycott
Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, and Suresh Raina are among the famous former Indian players who officially declined to play against Pakistan, citing geopolitical reactions increased by the Pahalgam terror attack and following military standoff in April.
In a formal statement on May 11, Dhawan declared that "nothing is bigger than the country" and that he would "stand by the decision."
The entire Indian Legends team, led by Yuvraj Singh, supported the boycott and declined to play in the semi-final as well as a previous group-stage match.
Sponsor & Organiser Reaction
EaseMyTrip, a key sponsor of the tournament, declared its support for Team India and formally withdrew its support for any match involving Pakistan.
The WCL organizers responded by apologizing in public, saying that while their original objective was to promote goodwill among fans, they may have "hurt the feelings of many" and "unintentionally caused discomfort" to Indian legends. Thus, the game was canceled.
Disputed Accountability
Pakistan Champions reportedly rejected any points-sharing arrangement when India withdrew, claiming the cancellation happened because India backed out and not the other way around. The Indian team claims they were not at fault.
- Format of the Tournament: The WCL final bye was given to the Pakistani champions.
- Effects on India: The tournament journey of the India Champions came to an official end.
- Tension in Geopolitics: shows how even friendly sporting events are greatly impacted by ongoing diplomatic issues.