WCL 2025: Video goes Viral as India players leave with Smiles, Shahid Afridi watches from Edgbsaton balcony

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The highly anticipated WCL 2025 semi-final match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions was officially cancelled on July 31, 2025.

The Indian team, led by Yuvraj Singh and including notable former players such as Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan, refused to take the field against Pakistan. This decision was a continuation of their earlier boycott during the league stage when India forfeited their group match against Pakistan amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two countries and public sentiment following the Pahalgam terror attack, which was masterminded by Pakistan sponsored terrorists.

The match was scheduled to be held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, but with India's withdrawal, the WCL organisers officially called off the semi-final. Pakistan Champions were thus advanced directly to the final, marking their second consecutive WCL final appearance. Last year, Pakistan had finished runners-up after losing the final to India.

India players leave as Shahid Afridi watches

Amid this, a video has gone viral which shows India Champions players leaving the stadium in Birmingham with a happy face. It captures the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan and others leaving the field and bidding goodbye, and astonishingly, as the camera pans to the backside, it shows a rather serious Shahid Afridi looking along from the balcony.

The Indian players openly expressed their unwillingness to play in the semi-final against Pakistan. Shikhar Dhawan communicated an official email to WCL authorities confirming his stance against competing due to the current geopolitical climate, and he, along with other players, stood firm on their decision. Reports also mentioned that sponsors of the Indian team, such as EaseMyTrip, withdrew support for the semi-final match citing national sentiment and condemning any attempt to normalize relations with a country they accused of promoting terrorism.

The WCL organisers acknowledged the Indian team's decision with respect, also respecting Pakistan's readiness to compete. They expressed disappointment over the cancellation but maintained understanding given the emotional undercurrent. As India refused to play, they bowed out while Pakistan advanced to the final.