Asia Cup 2025- India vs Pakistan in limbo; sponsors pull out

India and Pakistan are set to play in the semifinal of the World Championship of Legends at Edgbaston on Thursday. However, one of the event's key sponsors, EaseMyTrip, has pulled out of the upcoming match. The company’s co-founder, Nishant Pitti, confirmed that they will not be associated with the game.

There is uncertainty over the upcoming semifinal clash between India and Pakistan due to ongoing tensions between the two neighboring nations. Earlier in the tournament, Indian players had refused to take the field against Pakistan during the group stage, which forced the organizers to cancel the match.

India Champions Qualify for WCL 2025 Semi-Finals After Win Over West Indies

India Champions have qualified for the semi-finals of the World Championship of Legends 2025 after a must-win victory over the West Indies Champions in their final group-stage match.

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Chasing a target of 145, India were required to reach it within 14.1 overs to stay in contention. They achieved it in just 13.2 overs, with an unbeaten 50 off 21 balls from Stuart Binny, who was named Player of the Match. Yuvraj Singh and Yusuf Pathan also chipped in with valuable contributions.

This was India’s first win of the tournament, following defeats to South Africa, Australia, and England. The victory secured the fourth and final semi-final spot for India, who will now face table-toppers Pakistan Champions. The West Indies and England were eliminated from the tournament.

EaseMyTrip Pulls Out of India vs Pakistan WCL Semi-Final

EaseMyTrip has officially withdrawn its support from the India-Pakistan semifinal in the World Championship of Legends. Nishant Pitti stated that terrorism and sports cannot coexist. He further added that the company respects the sentiments of the Indian public.

“We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends, you’ve made the nation proud,” he wrote.

“However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game, Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand. @EaseMyTrip, we stand with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism,” he added.

“The people of India have spoken and we hear them. EaseMyTrip will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL. Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first business later Always. Jai Hind.”

Shikhar Dhawan to Boycott India-Pakistan Semi-Final Clash

EaseMyTrip’s decision to withdraw from the India-Pakistan clash may influence other sponsors amid ongoing cross-border tensions. The match is set to be played as scheduled, but the sponsor's withdrawal impacts the tournament's commercial outlook.

Notably, the World Championship of Legends organizers have not issued an official statement so far regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Indian captain Shikhar Dhawan has reaffirmed his stance against playing Pakistan.

When asked by a fan during India’s group-stage match against England on July 27, Dhawan stated that he would not take part in any match involving Pakistan due to the geopolitical situation between the two countries.

“You are asking questions at a wrong time and a wrong place. As I had said earlier that I won’t play against Pakistan, my stance is still the game,” Dhawan had said.

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