WATCH: Shahid Afridi watches on as India Champions refuse to play Pakistan, his previous remarks come back to hurt him | Cricket News

Shahid Afridi watched on as India Champions exited the stadium after refusing to play Pakistan Champions in WCL.

The India Champions workforce, led by Yuvraj Singh, withdrew from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) semi-final match in opposition to Pakistan Champions, citing unwillingness to play the neighbours due to poor relations following the Pahalgam terrorist assault. The determination left Pakistan Champions’ captain Shahid Afridi watching helplessly from the stadium balcony as the Indian workforce, together with gamers like Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, departed from the venue.The India Champions workforce had beforehand refused to play in opposition to Pakistan Champions within the league stage. They maintained their agency stance for the semi-final as nicely, selecting to exit the event slightly than face the Pakistan Champions workforce.This got here after Afridi’s provocative remark: “Pata nahi ab kis muh se khelga par khelega hamare sath hi (Don’t know from which face India will play, but they will have to play against us only).”Afridi’s assumption that India Champions can be pressured to play due to the knockout nature of the semi-final proved incorrect. The Indian workforce, recent from their victory in opposition to West Indies Champions, selected to keep their principled stance.The event organisers acknowledged each groups’ positions in a press release: “We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semifinals, 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 results of India’s withdrawal, Pakistan Champions have mechanically superior to the ultimate of WCL 2025.