The India Champions secured their place in the semifinals after a commanding win over West Indies Champions, chasing down the target in just 13.2 overs in their final group stage encounter on Tuesday. Sources confirmed that retired Indian internationals representing India Champions unanimously refused to participate against Pakistan
The decision stems from the Indian players’ firm position against competing with Pakistan in any form of international or exhibition cricket (Photo: AFP)
The India Champions have officially declined to participate in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) semifinal clash against Pakistan Champions, originally scheduled for Thursday, citing the nation's stand against any bilateral sporting ties with the neighbouring country after the gruesome Pahalagam terror attack.
The Indian team which includes legends like Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina among others have already expressed their unwillingness to play against Pakistan following the terror attack and the subsequent 'Operation Sindoor' launched by India.
India took a similar stand like they did in the group-stage match against Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
In that game, several top former India cricketers had refused to play against Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
India Champions were set to play Pakistan in the semi-final of the tournament on Thursday at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
EasyMyTrip, a top sponsor of the league, has already made it position clear on the Indo-Pak match.
"We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends, you've made the nation proud. However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game, Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand," the travel-tech company's co-founder Nishant Pitti wrote on his 'X' handle.
"@EaseMyTrip, we stand with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism. The people of India have spoken and we hear them. EaseMyTrip will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL.
"Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first business later Always," he added.
India Champions advanced to the semifinals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends after defeating West Indies Champions in just 13.2 overs in their last group match on Tuesday.
(With PTI inputs)
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