WCL 2025: Top sponsor abandons contentious India vs Pakistan semifinal clash
The hype around an India vs Pakistan cricket clash seems to have swiftly become a part of history. It's not excitement but rather indignation that fills the fans, especially the Indian viewers, when they come around to the possibility of the arch-rivals colliding on the field. The India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh, evaded scrutiny after pulling out of their WCL 2025 campaign opener against the Pakistan Champions. However, the equation has grown trickier with both teams qualifying for the World Championship of Legends semifinal. India and Pakistan have set up a knockout clash against each other, and the fixture now faces uncertainty. Meanwhile, a top sponsor, EaseMyTrip, has pulled out of the India vs Pakistan match.
WCL 2025 semifinal hangs in the balance amid growing outrage over India vs Pakistan clash
India and Pakistan are once again on a collision course in the World Championship of Legends, having been drawn to face each other in the semifinal. Once celebrated as one of the most hyped up rivalry, India vs Pakistan clash has now been marred. The heinous Pahalgam terror attack and the following stand-off between the neighboring nations destroyed whatever was left of India and Pakistan relations. Now, their meetings anywhere are scrutinized, with Indian fans largely against the idea of India playing against Pakistan.
India Champions were slated to start their WCL 2025 campaign against Pakistan Champions. However, intense outrage preceded the event, ultimately leading to its cancellation. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh pulled out of the campaign opener. Later, the WCL canceled the match altogether, apologising for hurting the sentiments of the fans. However, a similar situation has emerged again in the tournament. The underlying political strain between the two nations has cast uncertainty over whether the game will actually take place.
With a knockout fixture now on the horizon, familiar doubts have begun to surface. In the midst of growing speculation, EaseMyTrip has stepped into the spotlight, taking a strong position. The company's co-founder, Nishant Pitti, publicly announced that the travel firm will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan semi-final in the WCL. According to Pitti, this decision is not driven by business interests but stems from a matter of national conscience.
“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. “Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later. Always,” he added.
India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final
— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) July 30, 2025
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…
As of now, WCL organisers have not released an official word on whether the India vs England semifinal clash will proceed as planned, leaving the fate of the high-stakes encounter hanging in the balance. Adding to the uncertainty, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan had earlier stated that he would not take the field if India Champions were to face Pakistan Champions in the semis. India secured their semi-final berth by finishing fourth in the six-team standings, after a decisive victory over the West Indies Champions in their final group match. Pakistan Champions topped the table, setting the stage for a politically charged and potentially controversial face-off.
