WCL 2025: India vs Pakistan Semi-Final Called Off After Legends Withdraw, Pakistan Advance to Final

On Wednesday, the World Championship of Legends (WCL 2025) semifinal between the champions of India and Pakistan was cancelled. Following the terrible Pahalgam terror assault, India's position on bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan was upheld when players representing the India Champions declined to play against Pakistan. On Thursday, the two sides were supposed to play each other at Birmingham's Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

On July 20th, India and Pakistan were to play their first match in the league stage. However, because of the political animosity between the two nations, a few Indian players chose to skip the match. Both teams received one point, and the game was cancelled. However, as India chose not to participate in the knockout match, the organisers stated on the eve of the first semi-final that Pakistan would advance. They appreciated Pakistan's willingness to compete, but they also recognised India's position.

India vs Pakistan Semi-Final Cancelled:

The WCL confirmed that the match had been cancelled and that the Pakistan Champions would go to the final, expressing respect for India's choice to withdraw from the semi-final and acknowledging Pakistan's desire to participate. The organisers stated, “At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. However, public sentiment must always be respected; after all, everything we do is for our audience. We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete."

Semi - Finals Update ! pic.twitter.com/lTmh3j0sSP

— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 30, 2025

With only one point from their opening four games, India struggled throughout the competition. To advance to the semi-final of their final match, India had to chase down a 145-run mark in 14.1 overs against the West Indies. Following outstanding contributions from Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Stuart Binny, they did so. But this ended up being their last time participating in the second edition of the competition.

The Pakistani Champions, meantime, have so far been an unstoppable force that they haven't encountered an immovable object. They won four of their five games and ended first in the points standings. The team captained by Mohammad Hafeez will face the victor of the match between Australia and South Africa in the second semifinal.

Watch this space for more cricket news and updates.