India and Pakistan were scheduled to face each other in the semi-finals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL), a tournament for former cricketers. However, the match is not taking place. India Champions has refused to play against Pakistan Champions, citing cold political relations with the neighboring country.
Although the WCL authorities have not yet officially announced anything, cricket-based website ESPN Cricinfo wrote in a report on Wednesday that India has withdrawn itself from this match. As a result, Pakistan will advance to the final without playing the semi-finals.
The Indian team, which is made up of former cricketers like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, had also refused to play the group stage match against Pakistan on July 20. At that time, both teams were given one point. Pakistan reached the semi-finals from the top of the table with 9 points from five matches. India finished fourth in the six-team tournament with 3 points and made it to the last four.
The semi-final between the two teams was scheduled to be held at Edgbaston on Thursday. Pakistan will play in the final after India withdrew. They will play the winner of the second semi-final between the champions Australia and South Africa.
India has not played a bilateral series against Pakistan in more than a decade. However, the arch-rivals do face each other in ICC and ACC tournaments. However, India’s political relations with Pakistan deteriorated further after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir in April. The two countries were also at war at the time.
India and Pakistan have not met in international cricket since then. The two teams are scheduled to face each other in the men’s Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates on September 14. The women’s teams of the two countries will also face each other in the ODI World Cup in Colombo on October 6.
FAQ
Why did India boycott the WCL semi-final against Pakistan?
India chose to withdraw from the semi-final citing strained political relations with Pakistan, especially after recent tensions and incidents along the border.
Was the WCL semi-final between India and Pakistan officially canceled?
While no formal announcement was made by WCL organizers, credible sources like ESPN Cricinfo confirmed India’s withdrawal, effectively canceling the match.
What happens now that India has pulled out of the match?
As a result of India’s withdrawal, Pakistan automatically advances to the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) without playing the semi-final.
Who will Pakistan face in the WCL final?
Pakistan will face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia Champions and South Africa Champions.
