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The World Championship of Legends (WCL) took a dramatic turn as India Champions refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the semi-finals due to escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries, allowing Pakistan to progress to the final.
The first semi-final of the tournament was scheduled between Pakistan Champions and India Champions on July 31 in Birmingham.
However, the match was cancelled, resulting in Pakistan advancing to the final where they will either face South Africa or Australia in the title clash to be played on Saturday, August 2.
In a statement issued on social media, the WCL management on Wednesday confirmed India’s decision to withdraw from the semi-finals.
“We have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world,” the statement read.
“However, public sentiment must always be respected – after all, everything we do is for our audience,” it added.
On India’s decision to withdraw, the organisers stated, “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,” the statement concluded, confirming that Pakistan Champions would advance to the final.
This action was not unexpected, as India Champions had earlier on July 20 refused to play Pakistan in the group stage match of the event, which had also led to cancellation.
The second edition of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)-sanctioned tournament began on July 18 at Edgbaston. The Pakistan team, captained by Mohammad Hafeez, features former stars such as Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, and Kamran Akmal.
Relations between the two countries remain tense. Following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April, political and public sentiments has further deteriorated, briefly affecting both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
India does not engage in bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, and cricket matches between the two sides are now limited to global ICC tournaments such as the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
A hybrid hosting model was introduced during this year’s Champions Trophy, where India played its matches in Dubai while the rest of the tournament was held in Pakistan.
A similar arrangement is planned for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, with Pakistan set to play all its matches in Colombo, as India and Sri Lanka co-host the event.
Most recently, the uncertainty surrounding the men’s Asia Cup was resolved after India agreed to participate in the tournament scheduled for September in T20 format, with the UAE designated as the host.
