The World Championship of Legends (WCL) has deepened the controversy over the much -awaited match between India and Pakistan in the semi -finals of 2025. Prior to this high-profile match, major sponsors Easmiatrip withdrew their support, due to which the future of this match has become uncertain. The company said in its statement, “Terror and cricket cannot run together.” The decision has been taken after recent geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, especially the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025 and the Operation Sindoor launched by India.
Easmiatrip co-founder Nishant Pitti clarified his position by issuing a statement on the social media platform x. He said, “We appreciate the magnificent achievements of Bharat Champions, but the semi-final against Pakistan is not just a game. We cannot support any event that tries to normalize relations with the country that promotes terrorism. Hearing the sentiments of the people of India, Ezmiatrip is separating from this India-Pakistan match. This statement reflects the feeling prevailing between Indian fans and former cricketers that oppose the generalization between the two countries through sports.
Earlier, the match between India and Pakistan was also canceled in the league of WCL 2025. Many Indian veteran players, such as Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan refused to participate in the match citing Pahalgam terror attack. Shikhar Dhawan said in his statement, “My country is everything for me, and I had clarified my position to the organizers on 11 May 2025.” The organizers then apologized that their intention was to bring a moment of happiness for the fans, but inadvertently hurt the feelings of many people.
Bharat Champions performed brilliantly against the West Indies Champions on Tuesday, July 29, achieved the target of 145 runs in 13.2 overs, with which they reached the semi -finals. Stuart Binny’s half -century innings and Yusuf Pathan’s aggressive contribution played an important role in this victory. However, now they are going to face table-topper Pakistan Champions in the semi-finals. But given this big steps of the sponsor and the earlier stance of the Indian players, the question arises whether it will be a match. Shikhar Dhawan recently said in response to a question, “You are asking wrong questions at the wrong time. I have not played earlier, and will still not play.”
WCL organizers said after the first canceled match that they would try to avoid confrontation between India and Pakistan in the semi-finals and the finals. However, Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan said that if both teams reach the finals, the decision will be taken at that time. This situation presents a complex challenge not only for WCL but also for the cricket matches between India and Pakistan, such as the Asia Cup 2025. Nationalist sentiments between Indian fans and former players are strong, and withdrawing the support of sponsors is further enhancing this tension. Whether it will be a semi -final between India and Pakistan, or will it be canceled, it remains to be seen.
