On July 29, India Champions beat West Indies Champions by five wickets with 40 balls to spare to book their spot in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. In the other match of the day, Pakistan Champions beat Australia Champions to finish at the top of the points table. Yuvraj Singh-led Indian side is set to take on Pakistan in the semifinal of the WCL 2025 on July 31. A day ahead of the clash, Indian sponsor EaseMyTrip has pulled out. On July 30 morning, Ease My Trip founder Nishant Pitti put out a tweet saying "terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand".
"India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final. We applaud Team India for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends, you’ve made the nation proud," he wrote.
"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."
Dhawan's stance on India vs Pakistan clash
Earlier in the tournament, India forfeited their league stage game against Pakistan as several promiment players pulled out of the match, including opener Shikhar Dhawan and spin-bowling all-rounder Harbhajan Singh. Dhawan had made it clear that he won't be playing against Pakistan and informed the WCL authorities about it beforehand.
Last week, Dhawan was irked by a question about whether he will play if India qualify for the semifinal against Pakistan.
"Brother, you're asking this question at the wrong place right now. If you're asking that, do you think I’m going to answer? You shouldn't be asking this question. And if I haven’t played earlier, then I still won’t play," said the 39-year-old.
Apart from India and Pakistan, South Africa and Australia have qualified for the semifinal. Both the semifinals will be played on July 31 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.