India Champions Players Reluctant to Face Pakistan Champions in WCL 2025 Semi-Final

BIRMINGHAM: A significant portion of the India Champions team is reportedly unwilling to participate in their World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 semi-final match against Pakistan Champions, according to reports on Wednesday.

The defending champions, having previously withdrawn from their anticipated match against Pakistan Champions earlier in the competition, secured a spot in the semi-finals after a dominant victory over West Indies Champions. This win propelled them past England Champions due to a better net run rate.

India Champions concluded the league stage in fourth place, setting up a semi-final clash with Pakistan Champions, who topped the standings with nine points from five games.

However, uncertainty looms over the match following reports of potential reluctance from the India Champions squad to participate in the fixture.

According to a recent report, a news agency indicates that several India Champions players, including captain Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan, are ‘unwilling’ to compete against Pakistan Champions, citing prevailing political tensions and public sentiment.

This development follows Dhawan’s recent reaffirmation of his stance against playing Pakistan Champions when questioned about the possibility of facing them in the knockout stage.

During a media interaction after India’s defeat to Australia, Dhawan was questioned about his participation if India were to face Pakistan in the semi-finals.

Dhawan expressed frustration with the inquiry, stating firmly that he would maintain his position. He said, “You’re asking this question at an inappropriate time and place. Even if I didn’t play before, I still won’t play now.”