Sponsors Flee World Championship of Legends After India-Pakistan Match Fallout

Monday - 21/07/2025 07:05

The veterans' cricket match between India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends has been cancelled after Indian players withdrew, citing the Pahalgam terror attack and facing social media criticism. EaseMyTrip, a major sponsor, reiterated its stance against supporting matches involving Pakistan. Organizers apologized for hurting sentiments and cancelled the match, despite initially aiming to create positive moments.

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) is facing turmoil after the cancellation of the highly anticipated veterans' cricket match between India and Pakistan. The match, originally scheduled for Sunday in Birmingham, was called off following the withdrawal of Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

Team India celebrates their victory at the World Championship of Legends last year.

India won the World Championship of Legends last year.

The Indian players' decision to boycott the match stemmed from significant social media criticism directed at their initial agreement to participate. Prominent players such as Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan joined the boycott, further amplifying the controversy.

EaseMyTrip.com, a major sponsor of the WCL, has released a statement distancing itself from any matches involving Pakistan. The company emphasized that while they remain committed to supporting Team India, their policy strictly prohibits association with any event featuring Pakistan.

"EaseMyTrip supports Team India, but will not engage in any match featuring Pakistan," the statement read. "Let’s bring the cup home. Bharat First. Always."

The WCL organizers initially defended their decision to schedule the match, stating that it was intended to "create some happy memories for people around the globe," citing recent instances of sporting events between the two nations.

Organizers issue apology after cancelling the match.

However, the organizers later acknowledged the hurt caused by their decision and announced the cancellation of the match.

"We sincerely apologise again for hurting the sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans," they stated.

The cancellation and subsequent sponsor backlash have cast a shadow over the World Championship of Legends, co-owned by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn. The tournament, which began on June 18 at Edgbaston, is scheduled to conclude with the final on August 2.

In the inaugural edition of the tournament last year, India secured a five-wicket victory over Pakistan.