A fresh storm has erupted around the World Championship of Legends (WCL) as India and Pakistan are set to clash in the semi-finals on July 31. While the on-field rivalry promises excitement, it’s the off-field tensions that have taken center stage.
Politics Overshadows Cricket Once More
This isn’t the first time politics has interfered with cricketing ties between the two nations. Earlier in the league stage, India refused to play against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which deeply affected the national mood and escalated diplomatic tensions. Now, with the two teams drawn together in the knockout stage, the same concerns have resurfaced—only more amplified.
EaseMyTrip Withdraws Sponsorship in Protest
Leading travel platform EaseMyTrip has publicly distanced itself from the India vs Pakistan semi-final. Co-founder Nishant Pitti made the announcement on social media, saying the decision was driven by patriotism, not profit.
“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 wrote.
He went on to say the move wasn’t a marketing decision but a matter of national conscience.
“The people of India have spoken and we hear them. Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later. Always,” he added.
Pitti also praised the Indian team’s campaign in the tournament but made it clear that this particular fixture crosses a line.
“We applaud Team India for their outstanding performance in the WCL. But this match, under the current context, goes beyond cricket,” he said.
Shikhar Dhawan Stands Firm
Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who is part of the WCL squad, had previously refused to play against Pakistan during the group stage. When asked about the upcoming semi-final, he maintained his stance.
“You’re asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn’t have asked it. And as I didn’t play earlier, I still won’t play now,” he said, visibly annoyed.
WCL Remains Silent as Match Hangs in Limbo
So far, the WCL organizers have not issued a statement about whether the semi-final will proceed as planned. With one team unwilling to engage and public sentiment running high, the future of the much-hyped match remains uncertain.
India reached the semi-finals after defeating West Indies Champions in their last group game and finishing fourth in the six-team standings. Pakistan, on the other hand, topped the table and now wait to see whether the match will happen—or be overshadowed by politics yet again.
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