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BIRMINGHAM: Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi has taken a cheeky dig at India Champions ahead of the highly-stakes semi-final against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.
Speaking during a media interaction, Afridi commented on the clash between the two arch-rivals in the semi-final.
“Pakistan has reached the semi-final. Look at our ages; we have reached the semifinals. With what face will India play a semi-final against Pakistan?” Shahid Afridi remarked.
Uncertainty looms over the WCL 2025 clash between arch-rivals as several Indian players are reportedly reluctant to play the match against Pakistan, according to Indian media reports on Wednesday.
The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Birmingham.
Two weeks ago, India Champions, who are also the reigning champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan, resulting in one point awarded to both teams.
If the India Champions decide to withdraw 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 this situation.
India Champions WCL campaign started poorly, finding themselves at the bottom of the points table. Nevertheless, they managed to qualify for the semi-final after taking down West Indies in a thrilling chase.
The Men in Blue successfully chased down the target of 145 runs in just 14 overs to qualify, largely thanks to Stuart Binny’s half-century and Yousuf Pathan’s crucial innings.
On the other hand, 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 the 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, finishing the match in the eighth over.
READ: India set to boycott WCL 2025 semi-final clash with Pakistan: reports
