WCL 2025 Archives

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.

READ: ECB confirms franchise deals for six teams in The Hundred

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

WATCH: Australia pacer bowls 18-ball over against Pakistan in WCL 2025

LEICESTER: Former Australia pacer John Hastings had a bizarre outing in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, bowling an 18-ball over that helped Pakistan Champions coast to victory at Grace Road on Tuesday.

Chasing just 75 for victory, Pakistan openers Sharjeel Khan (32*) and Sohaib Maqsood (28*) made light work of the modest target, but the headline moment came when Hastings came on to bowl his first over.

The 39-year-old sent down 12 wides and a no-ball in an over that saw him switch sides, try both over and round the wicket, and still struggle to find control.

His over included five legal deliveries, with the rest all extras, mostly wide balls that were well outside the reach of the batters.

Earlier, Pakistan had bundled out Australia for just 74 in 11.5 overs after electing to field.

Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan removed the openers before Saeed Ajmal ran through the middle and lower order with an outstanding spell of 3.5-0-16-6. Imad Wasim provided able support with 2-11 in three overs.

Australia’s innings never really took off. Ben Dunk (26) and Callum Ferguson (10) were the only batters to reach double figures. Such was the collapse that Australia lost their last eight wickets for just 25 runs in 39 balls.

In the second innings, John Hastings, who had come on as a substitute for Chris Lynn, was handed the ball when Pakistan needed only 20 runs in seven overs.

But the over turned into a comedy of errors, including five consecutive wides to start and three more later after he tried switching to round the wicket.

The over ended with Pakistan comfortably reaching the target.

Hastings’ outing was best summed up by the numbers: 18 balls, 12 wides, 1 no-ball, and just 5 legal deliveries.

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

Saeed Ajmal bags six as Pakistan crushes Australia in WCL 2025

LIECESTER: Saeed Ajmal six-wickets led Pakistan Champions to a dominant victory over Australia Champions in the 14th fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here at Grace Road on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest 75-run target, Pakistan eased past Australia in only 7.5 overs, without losing any wickets.

Pakistan’s openers started strong in pursuit of the target as they scored 17 from the opening three overs. Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood looked in good touch as they crisped a couple of boundaries.

In the fourth and fifth over of the innings, the runners-up of the last edition took the attack to the Australian bowlers, scoring 10 off each over.

Pakistan Champions ended their powerplay on 45-0 with Sharjeel Khan scoring 26 off 18 balls, whereas Sohaib Maqsood made 19 from 18.

The victory was evident for the Pakistan Champions; however, the Australia Champions bizarrely ended their match.

John Hastings bowled 13 wides and one no-ball in the eighth over, eventually resulting in a comprehensive victory for Pakistan Champions.

With this victory, the Pakistan Champions finished at the top of the points table with four wins out of five games.

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Put into bat first, Australia’s Champions batting line faltered and were bundled out for 74 runs only in 11.5 overs.

Pakistan Champions jolted Australia Champions with early blows, reducing them to 17-2 in 2.4 overs.

Shaun Marsh was caught by Saeed Ajmal off Sohail Khan’s bowling in the second over, after scoring only seven. Chris Lynn, who made six runs, was sent back to the pavilion in the next over.

After early hiccups, Darcy Short and Ben Dunk partnered to forge a brief stand. The latter played a counter-attacking innings and made 26 off 14 balls with the aid of two sixes and three fours to steady Australia’s innings.

However, Dunk’s removal triggered a collapse that Australia could not recover from. Once Saeed Ajmal was introduced in the attack, it was all his spin magic that bundled them out for a meagre score.

Saeed Ajmal routed the lower order, starting with the removal of Short (2), Daniel Christian for a golden duck, Ben Cutting (5), Peter Siddle (5), and Steve O’Keefe for a single run.

For Pakistan Champions, Saeed Ajmal bowled an outstanding spell, taking a six-wicket haul for just 16 runs in 3.5 overs.

Playing XIs

Australia: Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Ben Dunk (wk), Daniel Christian, Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Peter Siddle, Brett Lee (c), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Steve O’Keefe

Pakistan: Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (wk), Fawad Alam, Umar Amin, Asif Ali, Shoaib Malik (c), Imad Wasim, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Saeed Ajmal

READ: New Zealand face major setback as key player ruled out of first Zimbabwe Test

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

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

LEEDS: AB de Villiers sublime century and all-round bowling performance powered South Africa Champions to a massive 95-run victory over Australia Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Chasing a daunting target of 242 runs in the 12th fixture of the tournament, the Australia Champions were bundled out for 146 runs in 16.4 overs here on Sunday at the Headingley Cricket Ground.

With half of the team back in the pavilion within the first six overs, it was always an uphill task for Australia to chase down a massive total.

After putting up an extravagant batting display, the Proteas bowlers starred with the ball. Imran Tahir removed dangerous Chris Lynn for a nought on the first ball of the opening over.

Shaun Marsh looked fluent for his 18 off 13 deliveries, crisping four boundaries before getting caught in the third over. D Arcy Short (13) and Daniel Christian were out for a golden duck on successive deliveries as Australia were reduced to 32-4.

However, Ben Dunk and Callum Ferguson partnered and forged a brief partnership for the fifth wicket, which brought the score to 61-5.

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Aaron Phangiso broke the partnership for South Africa Champions, removing Dunk (15), which halted Australia Champions’ progress.

The wicket triggered a mini collapse, resulting in quick wickets as the Australia Champions were reduced to 67-8 in 9.2 overs.

However, Ben Cutting and Peter Siddle crafted a 79-run partnership for the ninth wicket, demonstrating Aussie grit to take the total near 150 runs, but victory was far away as Australia’s Champions innings folded in the 17th over with the removal of Steve O’Keefe for a golden duck.

Peter Siddle valiantly scored 19 off 17, featuring two fours, whereas Ben Cutting top-scored and made 59* off 29 deliveries, striking four sixes and six fours.

For the South Africa Champions, Aaron Phangiso starred with the ball, scalping four wickets. Imran Tahir was equally good, claiming three wickets in four overs.

Earlier, South Africa Champions posted an imposing 241-run total against Australia Champions for the loss of six wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The Proteas openers put on a massive 187-run stand peppered with boundaries in just 13.3 overs. AB de Villiers played as the core aggressor, whereas JJ Smuts played the second fiddle.

The first six overs saw rain-boundaries all around the park as the Rainbow Nation scored 78 runs. After the fielding restrictions were lifted, South Africa continued the charge with 41-year-old De Villiers reaching his half-century on just 20 balls.

Meanwhile, JJ Smuts also accelerated and scored his fifty in the 12th over as South Africa brought the score to 160. In the next over, AB de Villiers took Darcy Short to the cleaners, accumulating 22 runs off the over and reaching his second consecutive ton in style.

Eventually, De Villiers was out in the 13th over after scoring 123 runs from just 46 balls, laced with eight towering sixes and 15 fours.

However, the Australia Champions fought back at the end of the innings with quick wickets to restrict the South Africa Champions below 250, which had looked easy at one stage of the innings.

JJ Smuts’ prolific innings of 85 off 53 balls was laced with three sixes and 10 fours.

For Australia Champions, Peter Siddle was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, South Africa skipper Aaron Phangiso won the toss and decided to bat first. The Proteas have De Villiers back in their side after missing out on their encounter against the Pakistan Champions.

Playing XIs

Australia Champions

Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, D Arcy Short, Ben Dunk(w), Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Daniel Christian, John Hastings, Steve O’Keefe, Brett Lee(c), Peter Siddle

South Africa Champions

AB de Villiers, Henry Davids, JJ Smuts, Sarel Erwee, Jacques Rudolph, Jean-Paul Duminy, Morne van Wyk(w), Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso(c), Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier

READ: WCL 2025: South Africa win toss, bat first against Australia

WCL 2025: South Africa win toss, bat first against Australia

LEEDS: South Africa Champions have won the toss and opted to bat first against Australia Champions in the 11th fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, here on Sunday at the Headingley Cricket Ground.

South Africa skipper Aaron Phangiso won the toss and decided to bat first. The Proteas have AB De Villiers back in their side after missing out their encounter against Pakistan Champions.

Playing XIs

Australia Champions

Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, D Arcy Short, Ben Dunk(w), Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Daniel Christian, John Hastings, Steve O’Keefe, Brett Lee(c), Peter Siddle

South Africa Champions

AB de Villiers, Henry Davids, JJ Smuts, Sarel Erwee, Jacques Rudolph, Jean-Paul Duminy, Morne van Wyk(w), Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso(c), Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier

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The WCL 2025 is contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The ongoing edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

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