The India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh, dramatically withdrew from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 semifinal against Pakistan Champions, leaving Pakistan’s captain Shahid Afridi stunned on the stadium balcony. The decision, rooted in heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, saw Indian stars like Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Irfan Pathan exit the venue, refusing to play.

Afridi’s earlier taunt, “Pata nahi ab kis muh se khelega par khelega hamare sath hi” (Don’t know with what face India will play, but they’ll play us), backfired as India chose to forfeit rather than compete. The team had previously skipped a league-stage match against Pakistan for the same reason, a stance they upheld in the knockout round despite reaching the semifinal with a strong win over West Indies Champions.

The WCL organizers, acknowledging public sentiment, canceled the match, stating, “We respect India Champions’ decision to withdraw and Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete.” Pakistan advanced to the final by default.

The boycott, supported by players and sponsor EaseMyTrip, reflects India’s firm stand against sporting ties with Pakistan amid geopolitical strife.

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