🇮🇳India withdraw from semi-final against 🇵🇰Pakistan in veterans’ WCL tournament.
IIndia withdrew from the semi-final against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, a veterans’ cricket tournament for retired players. The decision was rooted in ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.—
🏏 What HappenedOn July 30, 2025, WCL organizers confirmed that the India Champions had officially pulled out of the semi-final scheduled for July 31, effectively canceling the fixture with Pakistan Champions .Previously, a group-stage match between the same teams had also been abandoned after the Indian side refused to participate .As a result of India’s withdrawal, Pakistan Champions automatically advanced to the final, while semi-final ticket holders received refunds—typically around 50% .—
📌 Why the Withdrawal?The decision reflected a firm stance by Indian players and leadership in protest of the Pahalgam terror attack, amidst strained bilateral relations.Prominent former players like Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and others led the call to boycott the match .EaseMyTrip, a major sponsor, also declined involvement in the match, stating “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand” .—
🔍 Broader ImplicationsThe incident highlights how political conflict between India and Pakistan continues to spill over into sport. India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2013 and had already boycotted earlier fixtures like the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy .Former cricketer Brett Lee, speaking from Coventry, noted that efforts were made to salvage the match but ultimately respected the players’ decision .—
🏏Tournament Context the WCL 2025 (July 18 – August 2) featured six teams of retired international stars, sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and played across venues including Edgbaston, Headingley, Leicester, and Northampton .With India’s exit, Pakistan Champions moved directly to the final, bypassing the knockout contest .The final was set to feature Pakistan vs the winner of the other semi-final (likely South Africa Champions) on August 2, 2025.—
✅ In SummaryIndia Champions withdrew from their WCL semi-final against Pakistan due to political tensions.Pakistan Champions advanced to the final by default.Two fixtures between India and Pakistan in the tournament were called off.Refunds were issued, and the broader controversy raised questions about sports’ ability to remain apart from geopolitics.
