Picture Credit: X
On Tuesday, July 29, the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions finally got a win to their name as they defeated West Indies Champions by five wickets to confirm their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. The Men in Blue, who were win-less in the tournament so far, sealed a win in 13.2 overs, confirming their spot in the semi-finals, which will be played on Thursday, July 31.
As the defending champions eye to secure back-to-back title wins, they are scheduled to take on arch-rivals Pakistan Champions in the first semi-final, set to be played on Thursday, July 31 from 5:00 pm IST onwards at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. However, this comes at a crucial juncture, seeing that the league stage match between the two sides was called off after several India players pulled out due to the cross-border tensions.
EaseMyTrip withdraws from WCL 2025 ahead of India vs Pakistan semi-final clash
While former India opener Shikhar Dhawan went out loud on his decision to pull out from the game and continues to stand firm on his stance, other players like Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh and the Pathan brothers also withdrew from the game. But with uncertainty looming over the upcoming fixture, key Indian sponsors, EaseMyTrip have already withdrawn from the tournament.
Founder of the travelling company, Nishant Pitti took to X to announce EaseMyTrip’s withdrawal, stating that “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.” “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 go hand in hand. EaseMyTrip, we stand with India,” the Founder Nishant Pitti said.
“We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism. The people of India have spoken and we hear them. EaseMyTrip will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL. Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later. Always. Jai Hind,” he added in the statement posted on X.
However, it remains to be seen if India will play the semi-final against Pakistan after their earlier stand to boycott the clash. Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, the South Africa Champions will take on Australia Champions at the Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 31 from 9:00 pm IST. The winner of the two semi-finals will lock horns in the final, set to be played on August 2 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.
