BIRMINGHAM; The Pakistan Champions have secured a spot in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) after the India Champions forfeited their semi-final clash scheduled for Thursday.
The highly anticipated match, set to reignite one of cricketâs greatest rivalries, was called off due to Indiaâs decision not to participate, reportedly linked to ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
The WCL, a T20 cricket league featuring retired and non-contracted international players, began on July 18 in Birmingham. The tournament brings legends of the game back to the field for competitive cricket action.
This is the second instance in the tournament where Indian players have refused to play against Pakistan. A group-stage match earlier this month was also scrapped after prominent Indian cricketers, including Shikhar Dhawan, opted out.
After India Champions withdrew from the knockout match, Pakistan Champions advanced directly to the final. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa Champions and Australia Champions.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, WCL organisers said:
âTaking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final.â
While expressing regret over the situation, the organisers added,
âWe respect the India Championsâ decision to withdraw and equally appreciate the Pakistan Championsâ readiness to compete. We believe in the power of sport to inspire and unite, but public sentiment must always be respected â after all, everything we do is for our audience.â
Pakistan Championsâ owner Kamil Khan confirmed the development, stating:
âThe WCL management gave us a walkover. Their policy is clear â the team unwilling to play forfeits, and the other side advances.â
Edgbaston Stadium authorities also confirmed the cancellation and announced a 50 per cent refund for ticket holders. The second semi-final, scheduled for later the same day, will proceed as planned.
The forfeiture comes amid escalating diplomatic and military tensions between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in India-occupied Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the assault and launched Operation Sindoor, triggering a four-day military standoff in May â the most serious in years. Islamabad has firmly denied the allegations.
In the wake of these tensions, Indian cricket officials and politicians have called for a complete severing of sporting ties with Pakistan. Indiaâs head coach Gautam Gambhir had publicly backed the boycott of all cricket matches with Pakistan.
This political backdrop has also placed uncertainty over the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled for September. Calls for a boycott of that match have been echoed in the Indian parliament.
Despite the drama, the WCL final will go ahead â but without the cricketing spectacle many fans around the world had hoped for.
