WCL 2025 semifinal called off as India refuses to play with Pakistan
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) semifinal between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was officially cancelled on Wednesday after the Indian team refused to take the field against their Pakistani counterparts, citing strong public sentiment following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The decision comes weeks after the Indian side had already forfeited a group stage match against Pakistan, with several players including Shikhar Dhawan openly stating their unwillingness to compete against a nation they accuse of supporting terrorism.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the WCL organisers confirmed the match had been called off. “We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semifinals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete. Taking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off,” the statement read.
“As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final,” it added.
The Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions had earned their semifinal spot after a remarkable comeback win over the West Indies Champions, chasing 145 in just 13.2 overs, thanks to a blistering 21-ball half-century from Stuart Binny. The win came after a shaky start to the tournament, where India suffered three defeats in their first four games.
However, the larger geopolitical backdrop continued to loom large over the tournament. Public anger in India following the Pahalgam terror attack—believed to have links to Pakistan—has fuelled calls to boycott sporting ties with the country. The sentiment found voice in the India Champions squad, with players like Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan standing firm alongside Dhawan.
The organisers, while expressing disappointment over the disruption to the tournament, acknowledged the emotional undercurrent. “We have always believed in the power of sport to bring about positive change in the world. But we also realise that public sentiment must always be respected—after all, everything we do is for our audience,” the statement said.
The cancellation of the high-voltage semifinal has cast a shadow over the final stages of the WCL, which aimed to bring former legends of the game back into the spotlight. As it stands, Pakistan Champions will now await their opponent in the summit clash, with the other semifinal proceeding as scheduled.
