The 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL) faces uncertainty over the scheduled semifinal between India and Pakistan. Pakistan topped the league stage with four wins and one no result, while India struggled, qualifying for the semifinals on net run rate despite winning only one match. The two teams did not face each other during the group stage, as the match was canceled after several Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh, withdrew due to political tensions following the Pahalgam attack.
Now, with the semifinal set for Thursday in Birmingham, organizers must decide whether the match will go ahead. Pakistan’s team owner, Kamil Khan, had hoped to avoid an India-Pakistan clash at this stage, but the fixture remains on the schedule. Khan stressed the importance of sport rising above political issues and promoting peace through cricket. Along with India and Pakistan, South Africa and Australia have also reached the semifinals, making any rearrangement complicated.
Adding to the controversy, tournament sponsor EaseMyTrip withdrew support, citing that “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.” Indian players have suggested they may again refuse to play, putting the semifinal’s future in doubt. Despite this, the match is set to proceed at Edgbaston, with the political tensions adding an extra layer of drama to the tournament.
