Indian players refuse to play Pakistan for second time in WCL 2025, semi-final likely to be cancelled: Report

The India Champions team has reportedly refused to play their semifinal match against Pakistan in the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL) in Birmingham. The decision comes just days after they refused to face Pakistan in the group stage match of the same tournament.

The India Champions team led by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh received a lot of flak on social media after it emerged that they would play Pakistan Champions in WCL 2025. However, they did not play, citing the nation’s stand on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan and the match was called off.

It appears that their semifinal clash is also headed in the same direction and might be called off. The sentiments in India are high, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent civilians were killed. The Indian team also features big names like Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina.

More from First Cricket

Former New Zealand coach who defeated India in WTC final appointed Andhra Pradesh head coach for Ranji Trophy Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by six wickets to record commanding win in Asia Cup 2025

“The Indian team which includes legends like Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina among others have already expressed their unwillingness to play against Pakistan following the terror attack and the subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched by India,” PTI wrote in a report.

Main sponsor backs India’s decision to boycott semifinal

Even one of the tournament’s sponsors, EaseMyTrip, supported Team India’s decision. Co-founder Nishant Pitti said on social media that, “Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand,” and added, “Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later.”

India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final

We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends, you’ve made the nation proud.

However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game, Terror and cricket cannot…

— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) July 30, 2025

The India Champions had made it to the semifinals after a strong win over West Indies Champions, chasing down the target in just 13.2 overs. Now with India not taking the field, it remains to be seen what decision the organisers will take next.

South Africa Champions are slated to lock horns against Australia Champions in the second semifinal of WCL 2025. Both matches are scheduled to be played on Thursday, July 31.