Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has sparked a social media frenzy with a pointed remark aimed at the India Champions team, as uncertainty looms over the much-anticipated semifinal clash between India and Pakistan in the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL). The two teams are scheduled to meet on Thursday at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, but the fixture now appears in serious doubt.
While speaking at a restaurant in Birmingham, Afridi questioned India's willingness to take the field against Pakistan, especially given the earlier group-stage controversy where Yuvraj Singh's India Champions had declined to face Pakistan, leading to the match being called off by WCL organisers.
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“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),” Afridi said. The video clip of his comment quickly went viral online.
His remarks come amid reports that Indian players are reluctant to participate in the semifinal against the Pakistan Champions, referencing India’s firm stance against bilateral sporting events with Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Watch the video here...
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When asked about a potential knockout match against Pakistan, Dhawan had firmly replied: “Brother, you're asking this question at the wrong place right now. Do you think I'm going to answer? You shouldn't be asking this. And if I haven't played earlier, then I still won't play.”
In terms of performance, Pakistan have been dominant, winning all four of their completed group matches and finishing at the top of the table. India, meanwhile, struggled early, losing three consecutive games before bouncing back with a resounding victory over the West Indies Champions, chasing the target in just 13.2 overs to finish fourth and book the final semifinal spot.
The controversy further intensified on Wednesday when EaseMyTrip, the WCL’s primary sponsor, announced it would not support the India vs Pakistan semifinal.
“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,” tweeted co-founder Nishant Pitti.
He further added: “@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.”
As the political tensions spill onto the sporting field, the fate of the blockbuster semifinal between India and Pakistan remains uncertain.
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