'Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand': Sponsors EaseMyTrip says 'no association' with India-Pakistan WCL semifinal

Yuvraj Singh, the skipper of India Champions

Not just the Asia Cup 2025, the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) has also been caught under the India-Pakistan tension. It all began with India Champions, which features several icons such as Yuvraj Singh, Pathan brothers, Shikhar Dhawan pulling out from their match against Pakistan Champions, which was later cancelled by the tournament organisers.

The tournament, however, continued and now with India Champions securing a win in their final league stage encounter against the West Indies Champions, the arch rivals are once again locked for the semifinals. India Champions finished fourth, while Pakistan Champions topped the table and the knockout tie between the two is scheduled for 5 PM IST on Thursday.

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However, will the match be played or not remains a suspense. And amidst this, one of the sponsors, EaseMyTrip, has decided not to be associated with the encounter. 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.

"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.

"@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. Jai Hind," Pitti wrote in a lengthy statement and tagged the players in his post.

India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final

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…

— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) July 30, 2025

While, the WCL organisers are yet to issue a formal statement on the match, ex-India opener Shikhar Dhawan was seen making his stance clear in a video, which went viral on social media. Dhawan was asked if he would be playing if the teams meet in the semifinal. Dhawan 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.