WCL 2025: Pakistan in final as India refuses to face arch-rival in semis

LONDON: The World Championship of Legends (WCL) has once again become a stage for off-field politics, as India Champions refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the semi-final of the tournament being held in England.

With the walkover, Pakistan Champions have advanced directly to the final.

India Champions boycott Pakistan once again, refuse to play them in WCL semi-final. pic.twitter.com/mcgR4HpLUJ

— Indian Century (@IndianCentury_) July 30, 2025

According to Indian media, the Indian Legends team decided to pull out of the semi-final clash with Pakistan, following a similar refusal to play the group-stage match earlier in the tournament. The forfeit granted Pakistan a direct passage to the final.

The WCL final would be played in Birmingham on August 2, where Pakistan would face either Australia or South Africa.

Pakistan’s head coach Arshad Khan confirmed the development, saying, “We have officially reached the WCL final and are hopeful for a strong performance in the title match.”

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Earlier, the tournament’s Indian sponsor had also announced a withdrawal from the anticipated Pakistan-India semi-final.

Nishant Pitti, head of the sponsoring company, wrote on X that they commend Team India for their remarkable performance in the WCL.

“You’ve made the nation proud. However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game. As sponsors, we are withdrawing from the WCL match between India and Pakistan. Some things are bigger than cricket — country comes first, then business.”

India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final

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…

— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) July 30, 2025

It is worth noting that a scheduled match between the two sides on July 20 was also called off after Indian players refused to take the field.

Organisers said former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and others had cited “current geopolitical tensions” between the two countries as the reason behind their refusal to play.

Despite the controversy, the tournament continues, with Pakistan now preparing for the WCL final.