India Champions 'refuse' to play against Pakistan in WCL semifinal

India Champions 'refuse' to play against Pakistan in WCL semifinal

India Champions wont' be playing their semifinal tie against Pakistan Champions at the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL). The match was scheduled to be played on Thursday.

“Retired internationals players representing India Champions have refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham," source closed to the development was quoted as saying by PTI.

However, an official statement on the same is yet to be released by the tournament organisers.

WATCH | Brett Lee helpless, Commentators shocked: Australia pacer bowls 12 extras, fails to complete over in 18 balls

India Champions advanced to the semifinal after beating West Indies Pakistan Champions in their final league stage encounter. This helped them finish fourth on the points table. Pakistan Champions, on the other hand, had finished at the top of the table and defeated Australia Champions by 10 wickets in their final league match.

Earlier, EaseMyTrip, one of the sponsors, decided not to be associated with the encounter either. The decision was announced on social media by Nishant Pitti, founder and chairman, of the travel and transportation company. He started with congratulating the India Champions squad before taking side with the public sentiments, who have vehemently opposed any cricketing ties with the neighbours.

India Champions featuring icons such as Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Pathan Brothers, among others had earlier refused to engage in a league stage encounter against Pakistan citing the tension between the two countries.

Ex-India opener Dhawan was also seen making his stance clear in a video, which went viral on social media previously. Dhawan was asked if he would be playing the semifinals if both the teams meet in the knockout clash. The left-handed opener didn't mince his words while expressing displeasure at the question and said that just like the previous encounter he won't be playing in the semifinal if that is the case.