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BIRMINGHAM: Tensions between two neighbouring nations on the cricket field have flared up again as India has reportedly refused to play against Pakistan in the forthcoming semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, according to Indian media reports.
The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Birmingham.
However, according to Indian media sources, Indian players have decided to not participate in the match.
Two weeks ago, the India Champions, who are also the defending champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan. As a result, one point was awarded to both teams.
If India Champions withdraws from the semi-final, Pakistan will advance to the final of the WCL 2025.
Meanwhile, the tournament officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the India-Pakistan semi-final.
India Champions WCL campaign started on a poor note, and despite languishing at the bottom of the points table, they managed to qualify for the semi-final. They defeated the West Indies Champions in a thrilling chase to set up a showdown against Pakistan.
The Men in Blue were required to chase down the target of 145 runs in only 14.1 overs to qualify, and they did so, thanks to Stuart Binny’s half-century and Yousuf Pathan’s cameo.
Pakistan Champions, who were the runners-up of the last edition, remained dominant throughout the league stage fixtures, winning all of their games and finishing at the top of the points table.
Pakistan Champions routed Australia Champions for 74 runs in WCL 2025 last league game, thanks to Saeed Ajmal’s explosive six-wicket haul.
Consequently, Pakistan Champions chased down the target without losing any wickets in the eighth over of the match.
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