The Semi-Final 1 clash of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has been called off after India Champions refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Citing national, the Indian side declined to take the field, leading to Pakistan advancing to the final by default. The final match is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Semi-final clash called off after Indian players withdraw from match against Pakistan
In a recent statement, the WCL emphasized its belief in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. However, it acknowledged that public sentiment must always be respected, as everything they do is ultimately for their audience. The WCL expressed respect for India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, as well as appreciation for Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete. After taking all factors into consideration, the match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was officially called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final.
“At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. However, public sentiment must always be respected -after all, everything we do is for our audience. We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, 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. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final,” WCL stated.
Meanwhile, a day before the scheduled semi-final, EaseMyTrip — a renowned company and one of the league’s major sponsors — announced that it would not be associated with the clash between the two countries. The company’s co-founder, Nishant Pitti, stated that “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.” Notably, during the group stage as well, several Indian players had opted out of the match against Pakistan, which ultimately led to the fixture being cancelled.
Also READ: Fans call for India to boycott the semi-final clash with Pakistan in WCL 2025
Here’s how fans reacted:
The whole country is proud of you for forfeiting the game against Pakistan in the WCL.
Lots of love, Defending Champions!
#IndVsPak #PakvInd #WCL25 #WCL pic.twitter.com/0sg8xWh6gE— Sanket Bhatt (@ImSSanket) July 30, 2025
A tournament owned by both Indians, why Pakistan were included in it in the first place? #WCL pic.twitter.com/QyFDNvY1zs
— Prantik (@Pran__07) July 30, 2025
INDIA CHAMPIONS OFFICIALLY PULL OUT OF WCL 2025.
NATION FIRST #IndVsPak #WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/tyPSMUG2oH— Shivam18 (@ShivamChau18186) July 31, 2025
Well done #IndiaChampions you made us proud!!! And you guys set an example!!
— A R J U N 73 (@imak_73) July 31, 2025
So if Pak win the WCL since India is not playing now, the prize money goes with them and what does India gets ? Indian promoters money is handed to neighbouring country. Why in the 1st place this tournament was organised ? Can some one advice @vikrantgupta73
— Puneet Bhardwaj (@onthero67095634) July 31, 2025
Legends are our national heroes
Big Salute to each one you
Dil se salaam pic.twitter.com/wq3f0iybL8
— Kumar (@VIJAYJNR) July 30, 2025
Great decision . Now hope BCCI does the same. Enjoy the free win Terrorists nation. A retired players league with 6 active players playing for Pak and last year we saw what happened in Final.
— Prantik (@Pran__07) July 30, 2025
Great decision…… You have respected our sentiments also you understand the feeling also…. Waiting for the same update by @BCCI on Asia Cup
— Shivang Kaushik (@Shivangkaushik3) July 30, 2025
Asia Cup bhi aisee hii boycott karbana hai ..sabhi ko milke..
— 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐦 (@the_carpdiem1) July 30, 2025
You cannot send Pakistan to the finals like this, it would have been better if the decision was taken at least after a toss.
— Sagar Mishra (@Sagarmishra121) July 31, 2025
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