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India.com
4 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
India Vs Pakistan WCL 2025 Semifinals In Trouble As EaseMyTrip Pulls Out Over Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a move that has ignited widespread debate, EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti announced the company's withdrawal from sponsoring the highly-anticipated India vs Pakistan semi-final clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Citing national sentiment in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pitti declared via social media that 'nation comes first, business later.' The recent terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, has deeply influenced public discourse around Indo-Pak sporting relations. Pitti's statement—'Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand'—struck a chord with a large segment of Indian fans who've been vocal about separating sports from diplomacy when national security is at stake. India Champions Blaze Into Semi-Finals Amid Off-Field Tensions Despite the political drama off the pitch, India Champions delivered a powerful performance to seal their place in the WCL semi-finals. Needing to chase 145 runs in under 14.1 overs to qualify, they stormed past West Indies Champions in just 13.2 overs. Stuart Binny led the charge with a blazing half-century, earning him the Player of the Match award. He was ably supported by captain Yuvraj Singh and the explosive Yusuf Pathan, whose aggressive strokeplay put the opposition on the back foot early. From being bottom on the points table to clawing their way into fourth place, India's turnaround has been a highlight of the tournament. Earlier setbacks against South Africa, Australia, and England made this comeback all the more impressive — showcasing the grit and experience of the cricketing legends donning India's colors. India vs Pakistan WCL Semi-Final: High Stakes On and Off the Field The upcoming India vs Pakistan semi-final was already pegged as a marquee event in the WCL, thanks to the storied rivalry and massive fan interest. Now, with EaseMyTrip's withdrawal and heightened national sentiment, the stakes are even higher. While the tournament organizers have not yet issued an official statement on the match's status, questions linger about whether the fixture will proceed, given India had earlier declined to play Pakistan during the league stage for similar reasons. If the match does go ahead, it's expected to draw huge viewership—both for the cricketing action and the political backdrop surrounding it. EaseMyTrip's Calculated Stand: Brand Loyalty Over Brand Visibility? EaseMyTrip's initial involvement with the WCL was part of a broader marketing strategy aimed at tapping into nostalgia and leveraging the global cricket audience. However, their decision to publicly boycott the India vs Pakistan match underlines a strategic pivot—one that prioritizes national alignment over event promotion. From a branding perspective, this move could yield long-term dividends. In an era where consumer loyalty is often driven by value alignment, Pitti's strong nationalistic stance may solidify EaseMyTrip's brand identity among patriotic Indian users. Their message is clear: 'Some things are bigger than sport.' Implications for WCL and Future India-Pakistan Fixtures The ripple effects of this boycott could be significant. Sponsorship withdrawals like this may impact the commercial viability of high-stakes India-Pakistan matches, especially in tournaments hosted outside of ICC's umbrella. Other corporate players may follow suit, prompting organizers to tread carefully in future editions. Moreover, the WCL—an innovative league celebrating cricket legends—now finds itself in the crosshairs of geopolitical friction. What started as a feel-good nostalgia tournament has become a reflection of how deeply politics and cricket are intertwined on the subcontinent.
India.com
5 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
India Pull Off Stunning Chase vs West Indies To Set Up High-Stakes WCL 2025 Semi-Final Vs Pakistan
The World Championship of Legends 2025 witnessed a jaw-dropping thriller as India Champions pulled off a stunning five-wicket win over West Indies Champions in match 15 at Grace Road. The victory, sealed in just 13.2 overs, not only ensured India's qualification for the semi-finals but also set up a mouth-watering India vs Pakistan clash in the knockout stage — a contest that promises fireworks. Batting first in a must-win tie, West Indies Champions were rocked early. Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons were dismissed inside two overs, while Chadwick Walton followed without troubling the scorers. Dwayne Smith laboured to 20 off 21, but the scoreboard pressure continued to mount as wickets kept tumbling. At one point, WI-C were reeling at 72/6 in 13 overs. Enter Kieron Pollard. The Caribbean powerhouse turned back the clock with a vintage display of brute force. His unbeaten 74 off 43 deliveries, peppered with eight sixes and three fours, injected life into what looked like a sinking innings. With a strike rate of 172.09, Pollard's onslaught pushed the total to a competitive 144/9 in 20 overs. On the bowling front, India's Piyush Chawla stood out with 3/18, while Stuart Binny's 2/17 proved vital in keeping West Indies under control. The duo's accuracy and variation stifled the Caribbean batters — except Pollard, who seemed to be playing on a different pitch altogether. India's Qualification Math: 145 in 14.1 Overs For India Champions, it wasn't just about winning — they had to chase 145 in 14.1 overs to qualify on Net Run Rate. A nervy start saw Robin Uthappa (8), Gurkeerat Mann (7), and Suresh Raina (7) perish early. Shikhar Dhawan looked solid with 25 off 18, but his dismissal at 52/4 in 7.1 overs put India under immense pressure. That's when Stuart Binny unleashed a breathtaking counterattack. The all-rounder hammered 50 not out in just 21 balls, smashing four sixes at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 238.10. His fearless batting dismantled the West Indian bowling attack and brought India roaring back into the contest. Skipper Yuvraj Singh chipped in with a handy 21 off 11, but it was Yusuf Pathan's turbo knock — 21 off just 7 balls*, including two monstrous sixes — that sealed the win in dramatic style. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, completing a heist that not only kept their campaign alive but reignited the fire of a legendary rivalry. India vs Pakistan Semi-Final: The Ultimate Showdown With this emphatic win, India jumped into the final four alongside Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia. As per tournament rules, 1st-placed Pakistan will now face 4th-placed India in the first semi-final at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on July 31 at 5:00 PM IST. This India vs Pakistan WCL 2025 semi-final encounter is set to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, especially after their group-stage fixture was washed out. With both teams boasting cricketing legends, the Edgbaston clash promises fireworks, drama, and a trip down memory lane for fans of vintage cricketing rivalries. Standout Performers to Watch in Semis Stuart Binny: A true MVP with both bat and ball, his all-round brilliance has been a game-changer for India. Kieron Pollard: Despite West Indies bowing out, Pollard's blistering form remains a highlight of WCL 2025. Yusuf Pathan: A proven finisher, Yusuf's cameo ensured India met the qualification requirement under pressure. Piyush Chawla: His consistent wicket-taking has added crucial breakthroughs for India throughout the tournament. The semi-finals and final will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed live on the FanCode app and website, ensuring fans don't miss a single moment of this nostalgia-filled cricketing carnival.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Watch: Yusuf Pathan hits match-winning six for India Champions in WCL, hugs and kisses kids in celebration
Yusuf Pathan hit the match-winning six for India Champions against West Indies Champions in WCL. (Image: Fancode/X) India Champions secured a thrilling semi-final spot in the World Championship of Legends at Grace Road cricket ground in Leicester, England. They defeated West Indies Champions by chasing down 145 runs in 14.1 overs. Stuart Binny's unbeaten 50 and Yusuf Pathan 's match-winning six sealed the victory, with Pathan celebrating emotionally by hugging his kids at the boundary rope. The defending champions India faced elimination pressure but showed great character. After winning the toss, India's bowling attack dominated early, reducing West Indies to 43/5. Kieron Pollard fought back with a stunning 74 not out off 43 balls, including 8 sixes and 3 fours, helping West Indies reach 144-9. India's bowlers were impressive throughout. Piyush Chawla was the star, taking 3 wickets for just 18 runs. Varun Aaron and Stuart Binny grabbed two wickets each, while Pawan Negi took one. The chase wasn't smooth sailing for India. They lost four early wickets for 52 runs. Then came a game-changing partnership between Binny and captain Yuvraj Singh. They added 66 runs in just 27 balls, with Yuvraj scoring a quick 21 off 11 balls. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo After Yuvraj's exit, Yusuf Pathan joined Binny for the final assault. The pair smashed 30 runs in mere 8 balls. Binny ended with 50 not out from 21 balls, while Pathan blasted 21 not out in 7 balls. Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan had contributed 25 runs. Despite Dwayne Smith and Dwayne Bravo picking up two wickets each for West Indies, they couldn't stop India's determined charge to the semi-finals. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
5 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Yusuf Pathan Celebrates With His Kids After Helping India Champions Sink Windies In WCL
Last Updated: Pathan, who closed out the chase with his unbeaten 21-run knock, finished the game off in style with a maximum before rushing towards his kids in attendance following the triumph. Former Indian International Yusuf Pathan rolled back the clock with his showing at the WCL fixture between India Champions and the West Indies Champions at Grace Road on Wednesday, as he helped the men in blue cross the finish line with 5 wickets to spare. Pathan, who closed out the chase of 145 runs with his unbeaten 21-run knock, finished the game off in style with a maximum before rushing towards his kids in attendance following the triumph. The win secured India's berth in the semifinal of the event against Pakistan, while South Africa and Australia will contest the other final-four fixture. India won the toss and opted to field first as the men in blue limited WI to a score of 144/9 in 20 overs as Piyush Chawla starred with a three-fer. Varun Aaron and Stuart Binny removed a couple of wickets each, while Pawan Negi scalped one of his own. Kieron Pollard top-scored for the Windies with his unbeaten 74-run knock, while Dwayne Smith chipped in with a 20-run contribution. India closed out the chase in 13.2 overs thanks to Binny's half-century, while Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh and Pathan all chipped in wih noteworthy performances to take India over the finish line with 5 wicket and 40 deliveries to spare. Robin Uthappa, who opened the innings alongside Dhawan was removed by Sheldon Cottrell for 8 runs, before southpaw Dhawan was dismissed by Smith for 25 off 18. Smith doubled his wicket tally with the scalp of Gurkeerat Singh Mann for 7 runs before Suresh Raina fell to former CSK teammate Dwayne Bravo for 7 runs as well. Bravo added another to his kitty with the dismissal of Yuvraj for 21 runs, before Binny and Pathan remained unbeaten on 50 and 21 runs respectively saw the game out in commanding fashion as the latter finished the game off with a flurry. view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 11:03 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
9 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
India To Face Pakistan In WCL Semifinal After Big Win Over West Indies
India Champions have stormed back into title contention after being on the brink of elimination in the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2025 in England. The Yuvraj Singh-led defending champions needed to record a big win in their final league match of the tournament after poor show resulted in back-to-back defeats. Facing West Indies Champions on Tuesday, the Indian team overhauled the target of 145 in just 13.2 overs for a five-wicket win and improve their net run-rate that pushed them ahead in the points table to open the door for a semifinal spot.
