India Champions will face Pakistan Champions on Thursday, July 31st, in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 semi-finals, after defeating the West Indies to seal the final knockout spot.
This clash will be the first time both veteran teams face each other this season, as their earlier group-stage clash was called off after several Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh, opted out due to national sentiment following the Pahalgam terror attack in May..
Dhawan Stands Firm on Pakistan Boycott, Fans Applaud Patriotism
However, Shikhar Dhawan firmly stood by his earlier decision not to face Pakistan in Semi semi-finals
“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 irked.
This choice to prioritize the country over sport received widespread appreciation from fans. Now, as the tournament progresses, India is set to take on Pakistan in the semi-final.
Also read: IND vs ENG: 'Go report to whoever you want' - Oval pitch curator hits back at Gautam Gambhir
“Nation First, Business Later.”
Amid the renewed tension, one of the tournament’s main sponsors, EaseMyTrip, announced a public withdrawal from the high-profile match. Co-founder Nishant Pitti posted a statement on X
“The upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game. 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.
EaseMyTrip Cites Public Sentiment, Refuses to Support India-Pak Clash
He emphasized that this was not a marketing stunt, but a decision driven by public sentiment.
“The people of India have spoken, and we hear them. Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later. Always.”
Also Read: PCB Silent as PSL X Players Wait for Pending Salaries
Pitti also applauded the Indian veterans for their on-field performances and made it clear that the brand would not support any sporting engagement with Pakistan under the current circumstances.
“We applaud Team India for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends,” he wrote, before reiterating his opposition to any form of engagement with Pakistan on the sporting field at this moment.
Meanwhile, WCL management has yet to address the issue, just as they remained silent when the India Champions previously boycotted their scheduled match against the Pakistan Champions.
Also read: 'Joe Root not thinking about surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's all-time Test record'- Jos Buttler
