In line with its aim to politicise the game, India has once again refused to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

 

This time, the Indian team has pulled out of the semifinal clash scheduled to be held in Birmingham, England tomorrow (Jul 31).

 

Earlier in the tournament, India had boycotted the group stage match against Pakistan. Now, by refusing to play the semifinal, India has effectively allowed Pakistan to advance directly to the final.

 

WCL, in an official statement, confirmed the development, saying, “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 wrote in an official statement.

 

Reports also suggest that five Indian players have opted out of playing the semifinal against Pakistan. These include captain Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan.

 

The same players had earlier in the tournament also demanded that Shahid Afridi be excluded from Pakistan’s playing XI if the match was to go ahead.

 

They had objected to Afridi’s political views and his strong criticism against Indian atrocities in held Kashmir.

 

It merits a mention that the decision comes after India agreed to participate in Asia Cup 2025 at a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council chaired by Mohsin Naqvi.

 

The announcement drew strong reactions from within India as certain quarters continue to push the management to completely boycott matches against Pakistan.