'Country Over Game...': India Champions Explain The Decision To Boycott WCL 2025 Semi-Final Against Pakistan

The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 semi-final was cancelled by organisers after the India Champions officially withdrew from the tournament. The decision, taken collectively by the players, was in protest of the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack. The two teams were scheduled for face-off after Pakistan toppe dthe points table , while India finished fourth

India Champions pull out of WCL 2025

India Champions released a statement saying, "With a heavy heart, India Champions have decided to withdraw from the semi-final match against Pakistan. This decision wasn’t made lightly. While we live and breathe cricket, our players have faced emotional turmoil and misplaced judgment when all they’ve ever carried is pride for the nation."

"We stand by them and their right to play without fear or blame. We may step away from this match, but not from our principles. Country over game. Integrity over everything. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat."

Organisers cancel India vs Pakistan WCL 2025 semifinal

organisers showed respect towards India's decision to withdraw from the semi-final. They released a statement stating, “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. Taking 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.”

This was the second time that the Indian unit refused to play against Pakistan in the WCL, having earlier pulled out of their July 20 league game at the same venue.