Netizens have reacted to a viral Shahid Afridi's video in which he takes a jibe at the India champions ahead of the WCL 2025 Semi-final clash against the Pakistan champions. The Yuvraj Singh led team were due to face the men in green in the semi-final on Thursday; however, they decided to withdraw from the tournament following the tension between the two nations.
Shahid Afridi takes a jibe at the India champions
Speaking at a local restaurant in Birmingham, Afridi questioned India’s intent to face Pakistan, especially after the Yuvraj Singh-led side had refused to play them during the league stage earlier in the tournament, leading to the cancellation of the match.
In the clip, which has gone viral on social media, Afridi said, "Pata nehi India kis muh se khelega magar khelega humare sath hi (Don't know with what face India will play, but they'll end up playing with us only),"
Netizens react to Shahid Afridi's comment
India Champions explain the deciion to 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.”
