WCL 2025: Will India-Pakistan Semi-Final Match Take Place? Another Call-Off In Line As Sponsor Pulls Out

WCL 2025: The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan semi-final clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is hanging in the balance, once again marred by off-field controversy. Travel company EaseMyTrip has officially withdrawn its support from the upcoming match, reigniting concerns over whether the contest will proceed as planned.

Co-founder and Chairman of EaseMyTrip, Nishant Pitti, made the announcement on social media, citing the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran valley, which claimed 26 civilian lives and the subsequent cross-border tensions in May.

Drawing a clear line between business and national interest, Pitti said:

"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. 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."

This marks the second time the company has distanced itself from an India-Pakistan fixture in the WCL. The group stage clash between the two sides was earlier called off after several senior Indian players reportedly chose not to participate, and EaseMyTrip had similarly opted out then.

India secured their semi-final berth with a dominant win over West Indies Champions, chasing down 145 in just 13.2 overs - ahead of the required 14.1-over limit - with key performances from Stuart Binny, Yuvraj Singh, and Yusuf Pathan.

The WCL, a T20 tournament featuring retired cricket stars, has stirred excitement among fans. However, political sensitivities continue to cast a shadow over marquee fixtures. While the semi-final remains on the schedule, the sponsor's withdrawal could impact the match's atmosphere and broader commercial landscape, leaving the possibility of another cancellation very real.