“We would’ve crushed them…”: Suresh Raina’s open threat to Pakistan after boycotting WCL clash

Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina mocked Pakistan following their loss to South Africa, led by AB de Villiers, in the summit clash of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. The former batter stated that if India Champions had played the semi-final, they would have easily defeated Pakistan.

Raina was part of the India Champions squad that was knocked out of the recently concluded season after forfeiting the semi-final against Pakistan Champions. Pakistan advanced to the final against South Africa in the title clash. Notably, the group stage match between India and Pakistan was called off.

Suresh Raina Mocks Pakistan After WCL Final Defeat to South Africa

After South Africa’s victory in the WCL 2025 final, Suresh Raina praised AB de Villiers for his performance. Suresh Raina also targeted Pakistan, stating that India would have crushed them had they not withdrawn from their matches out of national interest.

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"What a knock by @ABdeVilliers17 in the final, absolutely smashed it. Had we played, we would’ve crushed them too, but we chose our nation above everything else. Full respect to @EaseMyTrip and @nishantpitti for standing firm and not supporting any match involving them. That’s real character," Suresh Raina wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

What a knock by @ABdeVilliers17 in the final, absolutely smashed it

Had we played, we would’ve crushed them too, but we chose our nation above everything else.

Full respect to @EaseMyTrip and @nishantpitti for standing firm and not supporting any match involving them. That’s…

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 2, 2025

India’s Forfeits Hand Pakistan a Final Spot in WCL 2025

For the unversed, India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh, decided not to play their group-stage match against Pakistan in the 2025 World Championship of Legends due to political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.

They qualified for the semi-finals after defeating the West Indies, but again declined to face Pakistan in the knockout clash. The forfeit helped Pakistan advance to the final, where they faced South Africa.

Following the controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a complete withdrawal from all future editions of the WCL, citing the disruptions and political overtones surrounding the event.

India Champions had a poor run in the tournament, losing to England, Australia, and South Africa, with their only win coming against the West Indies. In contrast, Pakistan remained unbeaten until the final match.

AB De Villiers Shines with Third Ton to Seal Title Win for South Africa

South Africa clinched the 2025 World Championship of Legends title with a nine-wicket win over Pakistan in the final. AB de Villiers scored an unbeaten 120 off just 60 balls, including 12 fours and 7 sixes. He smashed his third century of the tournament to help his team reach the 196-run target in just 16.5 overs.

JP Duminy scored 50 off 28 deliveries. The duo added an unbroken 125-run stand for the second wicket, guiding the Proteas to the target with 19 balls to spare.

Earlier, Pakistan had posted a strong total of 195/5 after choosing to bat first, with opener Sharjeel Khan top-scoring with 76 from 44 balls.

South Africa had reached the final after a nail-biting one-run victory over Australia in the semi-final. De Villiers, who was dismissed cheaply in that match, bounced back in the final with a masterclass.

Also read: AB de Villiers picks the next Mr 360 Degree, Suryakumar Yadav gets tough fight from..