EaseMyTrip Pulls Out of India-Pakistan WCL Semi-Final Sponsorship

BIRMINGHAM: EaseMyTrip, a travel firm, has declared it will no longer sponsor the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan semi-final in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, which is scheduled for July 31 in Birmingham.

This declaration was made not long after India secured their spot in the elimination rounds, surpassing England and the West Indies based on net run rate, even after only winning one of their four group-stage matches.

EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) early Wednesday, congratulating Yuvraj Singh’s Indian team on qualifying but also explaining the company’s stance on the sponsorship.

Pitti posted, “We commend Team India @India_Champions for their exceptional showing in the World Championship of Legends. The nation is proud of you.”

“However, the forthcoming semi-final against Pakistan transcends a typical game. EaseMyTrip will not be affiliated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL. Certain matters are more important than sports. The nation comes first, then business. Always. Jai Hind,” the post continued.

Earlier in the competition, India forfeited their group-stage match against Pakistan following the decision of several players, including prominent figures like Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh, to withdraw from the game.

Dhawan had previously communicated via email to WCL officials his choice to abstain from playing against Pakistan due to the continuing political unrest.

During India’s group-stage match against England on July 27, a fan inquired of Dhawan whether he would participate in a possible semi-final match against Pakistan.

Dhawan retorted tersely, visibly unhappy with the timing and essence of the inquiry.

“Brother, you’re posing this question inappropriately. Do you think I will respond? This is an inappropriate question. Moreover, if I didn’t play before, I won’t play now,” Dhawan stated.

It is important to note that Pakistan led the standings with nine points and a remarkable net run rate of +2.452 after winning four of five games.

South Africa came in second with four victories and one defeat, while Australia came in third with two victories and two losses out of five games.

After placing fourth in the points standings, India barely made it into the semi-finals, edging out England and the West Indies thanks to their net run rate.

In a crucial match at Grace Road on Tuesday, Stuart Binny displayed an impressive all-around effort, recording a frugal 2/17 and then following it up with a quickfire half-century to lead India Champions to an outstanding five-wicket victory over West Indies Champions.

To overtake England Champions in terms of net run rate and secure a semi-final berth, the defending champions needed to reach the 145-run mark in 14.1 overs.

India reached the mark in just 13.2 overs thanks to Binny’s heroics and crucial assistance from captain Yuvraj Singh.

For clarification, South Africa and Australia will play each other in the second semi-final at the same venue.