Birmingham [United Kingdom], July 20: The organisers of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) have officially called off the India vs Pakistan match and apologised for hurting the sentiments and hopes of people. In its statement, WCL said that it had announced the India vs Pakistan fixture after a recent volleyball match between the two countries to create happy memories for fans. The tournament says that this may have ended up hurting the feelings of many and caused discomfort to the Indian legends. In the wake of this, a decision to call off the fixture was taken. WCL further apologised for hurting sentiments. 2-3 Indian Players Pull Out from World Championship of Legends 2025 Against Pakistan After Public Outrage: Report.

IND vs PAK Match Called Off, WCL Issue Statement

Earlier, several Indian players like Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan also informed the media that they would not be playing the India vs Pakistan game. Sources also say some other players in the India line-up have also taken a similar stance.  In a post on X, Dhawan shared an email written to the tournament organisers where he said that the decision not to play Pakistan had been communicated to the organisers on May 11. The email said that the decision not to play Pakistan was taken in consideration of the current geo-political situation. World Championship of Legends 2025: Schedule, Venue, Squads, Live Streaming, Telecast Details and All You Need to Know About WCL Season 2.

Shikhar Dhawan Opts Out of IND vs PAK WCL 2025 Match

In his post Dhawan said, "Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota. (I stand by the decision I took on May 11. My country is everything for me and nothing is bigger than the country)" One of the tournament sponsors, Travel-tech Portal EaseMyTrip also released an official statement regarding its sponsorship of the WCL. The company clarified its stance, stating that despite entering into a 5-year sponsorship agreement with WCL two years ago, it will not associate with or participate in any match involving Pakistan.  WCL 2025 Points Table Updated With Net Run Rate: Check Latest Team Standings and Leaderboard of World Championship of Legends Season Two.

The travel tech platform emphasised that its position has always been clear. EaseMyTrip supports the India Champions and stands firmly by the team. However, the company maintains that it does not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan. EaseMyTrip reaffirmed its commitment to Team India, expressing its desire to see the cup brought home.

EaseMyTrip's Statement on IND vs PAK WCL 2025 Match

On Sunday, in a post on X, EaseMyTrip wrote, "Despite entering into a 5-year sponsorship agreement with the World Championship of Legends (WCL) two years ago, our stance has always been clear--EaseMyTrip will not be associated with or participate in any WCL match involving Pakistan. We proudly continue to support the India Champions and stand firmly by our team. However, as a matter of principle, we do not support or promote any match that includes Pakistan. This position was communicated unambiguously to the WCL team from the beginning. EaseMyTrip supports Team India, but will not engage in any match featuring Pakistan. Let's bring the cup home. Bharat First. Always." Kamran Akmal Misses Stumping Chance During England Champions vs Pakistan Champions WCL 2025 Match, Fans Troll Ex-PAK Wicketkeeper.

Scheduled to be held from July 18 to August 2 across Birmingham, Northampton, Leicester, and Leeds, WCL 2025 brings together the heroes of yesteryears in a summer spectacle sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)