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India Champions Forfeit WCL Semi-Final, Pakistan Advance to Final

Indian legends withdrew in protest of the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting WCL organizers to award Pakistan Champions a walkover to the August 2 final.

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Shahid Afridi Watches Indian Players Leave Stadium | Image: @fg278842 Screengrab
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Overview

  • WCL organizers confirmed Pakistan Champions received direct entry to the final after India Champions withdrew.
  • Indian legends including Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh refused to take the field in solidarity over the Pahalgam terror attack.
  • EaseMyTrip withdrew its sponsorship of the India–Pakistan fixture, stating that terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.
  • The second semi-final between South Africa Champions and Australia Champions remains scheduled for Friday, with the winner facing Pakistan at Edgbaston on August 2.
  • The forfeit exposes how geopolitical disputes and public sentiment are shaping governance and sponsorship in private cricket leagues.