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WCL 2025: Pakistan Champions owner comments on India’s withdrawal from semi-final

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan has expressed his views on India Champions’ decision to forfeit the semi-final clash against arch-rival in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Speaking in an interview with a private channel, Kamil lauded Pakistan Champions’ performance and highlighted Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the tournament.

“There’s no regret about playing the semifinal because of the way our team had been performing and the kind of cricket we played — we remained unbeaten in the league matches,” he said.

“The semifinal was a tough game, but we weren’t concerned about the opposition because our goal was to reach the final and win the trophy. So it didn’t matter to us who we were going to face or how the semifinal would turn out,” Kamil added.

He commented on WCL giving Pakistan a walkover over the defending champions, stating that they deserved the outcome.

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“If we are advancing to the final via a walkover, it’s the result of the team’s collective hard work. Given the way the team has performed, we fully deserve to be in the final,” he concluded.

Earlier, the WCL released an official statement about India Champions’ forfeit in the semi-final against Pakistan.

“At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. However, public sentiment must always be respected – after all, everything we do is for our audience,” the official statement read.

“We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete.

The statement came at a time when there were questions arising over the clash between arch-rivals due to strained ties between the two neighbouring nations.

The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions was scheduled to take place in Birmingham.

Two weeks ago, India Champions, who were also the reigning champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan, resulting in one point awarded to both teams.

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Pakistan advance to WCL 2025 final following India’s withdrawal

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions have advanced to the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 after India Champions forfeited their semi-final clash against arch-rival, which was scheduled for tomorrow.

The WCL released an official statement about India Champions’ forfeit in the semi-final against Pakistan.

The statement further respected India’s decision of withdrawal, along with Pakistan Champions’ willingness to compete in the tournament.

“We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete.

Taking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final,” it added.

Earlier, it was reported that several Indian players were reluctant to play the match against Pakistan.

The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions was scheduled to take place 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.

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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: Shahid Afridi trolls India Champions ahead of WCL 2025 semi-final

Shahid Afridi trolls India Champions ahead of WCL 2025 semi-final

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.

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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.

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.

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

India set to boycott WCL 2025 semi-final clash with Pakistan: reports

BIRMINGHAM: Tensions between two neighbouring nations on the cricket field have flared up again as India has reportedly refused to play against Pakistan in the forthcoming semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, according to Indian media reports.

The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Birmingham.

However, according to Indian media sources, Indian players have decided to not participate in the match.

Two weeks ago, the India Champions, who are also the defending champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan. As a result, one point was awarded to both teams.

If India Champions withdraws from the semi-final, Pakistan will advance to the final of the WCL 2025.

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Meanwhile, the tournament officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the India-Pakistan semi-final.

India Champions WCL campaign started on a poor note, and despite languishing at the bottom of the points table, they managed to qualify for the semi-final. They defeated the West Indies Champions in a thrilling chase to set up a showdown against Pakistan.

The Men in Blue were required to chase down the target of 145 runs in only 14.1 overs to qualify, and they did so, thanks to Stuart Binny’s half-century and Yousuf Pathan’s cameo.

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 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 in the eighth over of the match.

READ: Pakistan likely to miss out on cricket event at 2028 Olympics: reports

India beat West Indies to set up semi-final clash with Pakistan in WCL 2025

LEICESTER: Stuart Binny’s brisk half-century and Yusuf Pathan’s late blitz powered India Champions to a thrilling win over West Indies Champions in the 15th fixture of World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL) 2025 here on Tuesday at Grace Road.

With this victory, India secured a spot in the WCL 2025 semi-finals and will face arch-rivals Pakistan on Thursday in Birmingham.

The defending champions chased down the 145-run target in 14.1 overs and booked a place in the final four of WCL 2025.

India Champions provided a brisk start as they raced to 27 runs in 3.1 overs, losing Robin Uthappa, who made eight from seven balls.

Shikhar Dhawan looked in great form; however, the West Indies removed him to make the chase more tense for the India Champions. The southpaw made 25 from 18 deliveries with the help of two sixes and two fours.

As a result, India Champions were reduced to 36-2 in 4.4 overs.

West Indies Champions further tighten the grip on the match with back-to-back wickets in successive overs.

First, Dwayne Smith removed Gurkeerat Singh Mann (7) in the seventh over, whereas experienced Dwayne Bravo scalped Suresh Raina (7), leaving India in deep trouble.

However, skipper Yuvraj Singh and Stuart Binny stitched a match-winning stand of 66 runs, which propelled the defending champions near the total.

Yuvraj, who scored 21 off 11 balls, was removed in the 12th over, striking two fours and a six. Meanwhile, Binny continued his onslaught, joined by Yusuf Pathan in a decisive stand.

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With the India Champions requiring 24 runs from 13 balls, Pathan and Binny took Fidel Edwards to the cleaners and accumulated 20 runs off the over.

Consequently, Yusuf Pathan hit a maximum on the second ball of the 14th over to take his team home.

Binny made 50* off 21 balls, peppered with four sixes and three fours, whereas Yusuf cameo off 21 from seven balls, included two sixes and a four.

For the West Indies Champions, Dwayne Bravo and Dwayne Smith bagged two wickets each.

Earlier, Kieron Pollard’s gutsy knock powered the West Indies Champions to a competitive total.

Put into bat first, the West Indies mustered 144-9 in their allocated 20 overs.

West Indies Champions started their innings on a poor note in a crucial encounter, losing four wickets inside the power play.

Varun Aaron was impressive with the new ball as he cleaned up Chris Gayle (9) and Chadwick Walton for a golden duck in one over.

Meanwhile, Lendl Simmons, who faced 11 deliveries for his two, and William Perkins went back to the pavilion in a similar manner as the West Indies were reduced to 32-4 in 5.5 overs.

Dwayne Smith, who made 20 off 21 balls with the help of two boundaries, was caught, leaving his team in dire straits at 43-5.

With the West Indies Champions in deep trouble, the crisis man, Kieron Pollard, arrived, and he forged a brief stand with Dwayne Bravo, bringing the score to 72 in 13 overs.

Pollard played aggressively, whereas Bravo held one end; however, he was removed just when the West Indies Champions were looking to launch.

India continued to take wickets and build pressure, and at one stage, the West Indies were reeling at 111-9 in 17.2 overs.

However, Kieron Pollard’s lusty blows in the last few overs took his team towards a fighting total. He made 74 off 43 balls, smashing eight sixes and three fours.

For the India Champions, Piyush Chawla took three wickets. Stuart Binny and Varun Aaron scalped two wickets each.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan players train on beach ahead of West Indies T20Is

WCL 2025: Ravi Bopara century powers England past India

LEEDS: Ravi Bopara’s gutsy hundred, coupled with a clinical four-wicket haul by Ajmal Shahzad, propelled England Champions to a 23-run triumph over India Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 at Headingley on Sunday.

Chasing a formidable target of 224-runs, India Champions batting line faltered under pressure. Despite a few notable contributions, they could only muster 200 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling 23 runs short of the mark.

The reigning Champions were jolted with an early blow as Robin Uthappa was removed for a golden duck. Shikhar Dhawan, who gained some form in the previous match, played some good shots before getting dismissed for 17 runs from 16 balls. As a result, India Champions were 33-2 in 5.1 overs.

Despite early setbacks, Ambati Rayudu and Yuvraj Singh looked solid, forging a brief 33-run stand to steer India in the chase.

Rayadu, who had crunched three fours on his way to 28 off 21 deliveries, was caught just when India Champions were looking to accelerate to match the required run rate.

With India three down for 66 runs in eight overs, skipper Yuvraj Singh took the responsibility on his shoulders and crafted a solid 43-run partnership with Stuart Binny, bringing the score over the three-figure mark.

Binny played aggressively with a strike rate of 269, making 35 off 13 balls with the aid of three maximums and three fours before Bopara scalped him to reduce India Champions to 109-3 in 11.3 overs.

With the required down by Binny’s striking, Yuvraj continued to play the second fiddle with Yousuf Pathan now taking the core aggressor role. The duo partnered for a 47-run stand which took India’s score over 150.

The partnership eventually culminated in Yuvraj’s wicket. He made 38 off 27 balls, striking a maximum and four boundaries.

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At this point, the Indian Champions required 67 from 26 balls, which was looking an uphill task despite having set Yousuf at the crease.

England Champions displayed clinical bowling in the death overs and took key wickets, which halted India’s progress and eventually resulted in the home side’s first win in the WCL 2025.

Yousuf Pathan made 52 from 29, crisping half a dozen boundaries and two sixes.

For England Champions, Ajmal Shahzad was the standout bowler, taking four wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, after being put into bat, England Champions posted a 223-run total for the loss of only three wickets in their 20 overs.

Ravi Bopara was the star of the match, smashing a fiery ton. He made 110 off 55 deliveries, which included eight towering sixes and an equal number of fours.

England Champions lost an early wicket for three runs as Phil Mustard was cleaned up for a single run.

However, after this wicket, Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara used all of their experience and crafted a mammoth 131-run partnership, bringing the score to 134 in 13.2 overs.

Bell was finally removed for 54 off 39 deliveries while Bopara kept on going and scored a century. Following the strong foundation, Moeen Ali and Samit Patel provided England Champions with a strong finish.

Ali made 33 off 13, whereas Patel scored 20 off nine balls to propel England to a commanding total.

For the India Champions, Harbhajan Singh was the pick of the bowlers, who picked up two wickets.

READ: AB de Villiers’ hits century as South Africa thrash Australia in WCL 2025

Shikhar Dhawan comments on India facing Pakistan in WCL 2025 semi-final

The opening batter of the India Champions, Shikhar Dhawan, has opened up on the possibility of playing arch-rivals Pakistan Champions in the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Dhawan was asked about the possibility of India playing Pakistan in the WCL semi-final.

“You’re asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn’t have asked it. And even if I didn’t play earlier, I still won’t play now,” Shikhar Dhawan replied.

The reigning title holders of WCL’s inaugural edition, India Champions, are currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, whereas Pakistan is at the top of the charts with three wins out of four games.

India succumbed to their second defeat on Saturday’s encounter against Australia, despite Shikhar Dhawan scoring 90 off 61 balls.

In contrast, Pakistan Champions outplayed West Indies, continuing their dominant run. Kamran Akmal was the star of the match, rolling back the clock with a sublime ton to help his team secure top spot in the tournament’s points table.

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During Saturday’s tournament action, India suffered their second defeat as Australia successfully chased a formidable 204-run target in the final over.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Champions continued their dominant run, notching their third consecutive win by defeating the West Indies Champions by 49 runs.

Kamran Akmal’s match-winning century and a strong bowling performance led Pakistan to the top of the WCL 2025 points table.

It is noteworthy to mention that the league stage fixture between India and Pakistan was cancelled by the WCL organizers. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India fixture, scheduled for 20 July at Edgbaston, was set to be one of the marquee contests of the WCL 2025.

The announcement of cancellation came via a statement on the tournament’s official social media platforms.

For the unversed, WCL 2025 is currently taking place in England, featuring retired international stars from around the world.

READ: Maxwell, Green star as Australia take 4-0 lead over West Indies in T20I series

WCL 2025: Australia Champions edge past India in last-ball thriller

LEEDS: Australia Champions pulled off a thrilling four-wicket win against India Champions in a high-octane clash of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here on Saturday.

Chasing a stiff target of 204, Australia got over the line on the penultimate delivery of the match, with Callum Ferguson sealing the deal by launching Irfan Pathan for a six.

They finished at 207-6 in 19.5 overs, handing India their second straight loss in the tournament.

Ferguson, who walked in with the scoreboard reading 65-4 in the eighth over, turned the game on its head with a match-winning knock of 70 not out from just 38 balls. His innings was laced with five fours and four sixes.

Dan Christian also played a key role in the chase, scoring 39 off 25 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six.

For India Champions, Piyush Chawla was the pick of the bowlers with 3-36, while Harbhajan Singh chipped in with two wickets and Vinay Kumar took one.

Earlier, Australia opted to bowl first but were put under pressure right away as Indian openers Robin Uthappa and Shikhar Dhawan put up a brisk 57-run stand in just five overs.

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However, Dan Christian turned the momentum with a double-strike in the sixth over, removing Uthappa for 37 (21) and Ambati Rayudu for a two-ball duck.

Despite the wickets, Dhawan held one end firm, anchoring the innings with a sublime unbeaten 91 off 60 deliveries.

He found support from Yusuf Pathan, who exploded late in the innings with a fiery 52 not out off just 23 balls.

The duo stitched together a 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking India to a competitive total of 203-4 in their 20 overs.

With this result, Australia Champions climbed to second place on the WCL 2025 points table with two wins in three games.

India Champions, on the other hand, are yet to open their account after two matches.

READ: India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup 2025 schedule unveiled

WCL 2025: De Villiers, Phangiso shine as South Africa crush India

NORTHAMPTON: AB de Villiers’ classy knock and Aaron Phangiso’s spin magic powered South Africa Champions to a massive 88-run (DLS) win over India Champions in the sixth match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here at the County Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting 209-run target, the reigning champions crumbled under pressure and could manage to score 111-9 in 18.2 overs in a rain-hit game.

South Africa Champions struck early, leaving India Champions reeling with four wickets down inside powerplay.

Wayne Parnell started the proceedings for the Proteas, bowling an outstanding two-over spell in which he gave nothing and took two wickets.

Robin Uthappa (2), Shikhar Dhawan (1), Suresh Raina (1`6) and Ambati Rayadu went without scoring as they were reduced to 28-4 in 5.3 overs.

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The wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals for the India Champions, with none of the middle order batters scoring significantly except Stuart Binny, who top-scored with his 37* off 30 balls.

For South Africa, Aaron Phangiso was the standout bowler, scalping three wickets in his quota of four overs, while Imran Tahir and Wayne Parnell each picked up two wickets.

Earlier, AB de Villiers’ powerful knock propelled South Africa Champions to an imposing total.

Put into bat first, South Africa Champions posted 208-6 in their allocated 20 overs.

The Proteas opener provided a solid start as they scored 35 runs in 4 overs. Hashim Amla looked as elegant as ever with his 22 off 19 balls, laced with crisp four boundaries.

Jack Rudolph (24 off 20 balls), who looked in delicate touch, forged a brief little stand with Sarel Erwee (15 off 12) to bring the total to 66. However, India Champions roared back with back-to-back wickets in the eighth over as both of the set batters went back to the pavilion.

Consequently, the arrival of AB de Villiers always instilled fear in the opposition as he set the tone for South Africa to post an imposing total.

Meanwhile, India Champions struck on regular intervals in the middle overs, but De Villiers’ 63* off 30 balls, peppered with four maximums and three fours, took the rainbow nation over the 200-run mark.

For India Champions, Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla took two wickets.

READ: WCL 2025: Walton, Edwards star as West Indies defeat England

Pakistan Champions owner reacts to WCL calling off India-Pakistan clash

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan has responded to the cancellation of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Champions fixture at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

The much-awaited encounter between arch-rivals was officially cancelled just hours before the two teams were set to meet at Edgbaston on Sunday.

The organisers made the announcement through a statement posted on the tournament’s official social media platforms, confirming the cancellation of what was expected to be a marquee clash.

“We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments,” the statement read.

Now, on behalf of the Pakistan Champions, owner Kamil Khan has expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of the WCL marquee clash between Pak vs India legends.

“On behalf of Pakistan Champions, we express our deep disappointment over WCL’s decision to call off the match against India. This decision not only undermines the spirit of the game but has let down cricket fans across the globe,” the statement reads.

“We believe cricket should rise above and transcend political differences. Sport has the unique power to unite, and our participation in this tournament is rooted in a commitment to peace, positivity, and the genuine spirit of the game,” it added.

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The owner of Pakistan Champions expressed confidence in continuing to represent the country with dignity and integrity.

“Despite this setback, we will continue with the same passion, discipline, and professionalism that define our team. We remain proud ambassadors of our country and are committed to representing Pakistan with honour and integrity.”

The Pakistan Champions owner also acknowledged the tournament’s organisers’ challenging position on the Pak vs India legends match, expressing gratitude for their efforts.

“Finally, we appreciate the difficult position the tournament organisers have been placed in during this unfortunate development and would like to extend our sincere gratitude to them for their tireless efforts in trying to resolve the situation and uphold the integrity of the tournament,” it concluded.

For the unversed, the ongoing edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, in which India and Pakistan competed in the final.

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