Online travel platform EaseMyTrip has announced its decision to withdraw sponsorship from the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan semi-final clash in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, citing national sentiment and a firm stance against terrorism.
Just hours after Team India, led by Yuvraj Singh, sneaked into the semi-finals with a dramatic victory over West Indies, EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti issued a public statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), declaring the company’s withdrawal from sponsoring the high-voltage game.
“Terror and Cricket Cannot Go Hand in Hand” – Nishant Pitti
“We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends. However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game. Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand,” Pitti said in his post.
He emphasized that EaseMyTrip will not support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a nation allegedly promoting terrorism. “Nation first, business later. Always. Jai Hind,” he concluded.
Player Boycotts and Geopolitical Tensions
This decision comes amid rising geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, reflected even on the cricket field. Earlier in the WCL 2025, Team India had forfeited their group-stage match against Pakistan due to player withdrawals. Veterans Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh were among the first to pull out, citing national sentiment and security concerns.
Dhawan, when asked during a match against England on July 27 if he would play the semi-final against Pakistan, responded firmly:
“If I haven’t played earlier, then I still won’t play,” Dhawan said, visibly irritated, asking fans not to raise such questions at the wrong place and time.
India Beats West Indies to Secure Semi-Final Spot
Despite a rocky start, India managed to qualify for the semi-finals after a thrilling chase against Chris Gayle-led West Indies. Chasing 145 in 14.1 overs, Stuart Binny’s blazing 50 off 21 balls* helped India reach the target in just 13.2 overs—enough to edge past West Indies and England in net run rate.
The four teams advancing to the semi-finals are Pakistan, South Africa, Australia, and India.
With players like Dhawan refusing to participate and sponsors pulling out, the fate of the high-profile semi-final now hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen how WCL organisers respond to these growing boycotts, and whether the match will proceed as scheduled or be impacted by withdrawals.
As the WCL 2025 semi-final approaches, India’s stance on “nation before sport” has taken center stage. While fans await the outcome on the field, the political and emotional undertones surrounding the match continue to spark nationwide debate.
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