New Delhi, August 1, 2025 — In a dramatic turn of events at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, the India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh, withdrew from their scheduled semifinal clash against Shahid Afridi’s Pakistan Champions. The move came in protest against the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack and rising political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The decision was consistent with the Indian team’s earlier position during the league stage, where they had refused to engage with Pakistan on the cricket field. By standing firm again, they made it clear that there would be no cricketing ties amid such national distress.
A video from the venue, now widely circulated online, captures a moment of silent shock as Shahid Afridi watches from the stadium balcony while Indian players Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan quietly exit the premises.
Before the match, Afridi had made a provocative remark, saying, “Pata nahi ab kis muh se khelega hamare sath hee (Don’t know with what face India will play, but they will have to play against us).” His comment appeared to be an attempt to provoke a response, but it ultimately backfired.
Instead of yielding to competitive pressure, the India Champions opted to walk away from the tournament, sending a clear message about prioritizing national sentiment over sporting rivalries. The withdrawal highlights the deep impact of the Pahalgam attack and underscores the sentiment that sport cannot be isolated from larger geopolitical realities.
India Champions Pull Out of WCL Semifinal Against Pakistan Amid Tensions Post Pahalgam Attack
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