New Delhi: It’s official. The Champions of India led by Yuvraj Singh refused to play against the rivals of Pakistan in the semi-finals of the world legendary championship. India had previously boycotted its group group match against Pakistan earlier in the tournament. The Indian team – features legends like Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan – took this position in response to the terrorist attack by Pahalgam, which has cost many innocent civilians.
“We are not playing against Pakistan (in the semi-finals). Our country and our nation will always be at the top for us, then everything. We will never let our country fall, whatever happens. Bharat Mata Ki Jai, “said an initiate at Timesofindia.com on condition of anonymity.Later in the evening, the WCL officially confirmed that the India vs Pakistan semi-final had been canceled, Pakistan passing to the final.India had already taken a similar position earlier in the tournament when they chose to play Pakistan in the group phase.The semi-final between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Thursday at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. However, Indian cricket players gathered again and boycotted the team led by Mohammad Hafez.The Champions of India qualified for the semi-finals after defeating the Champions of the Antilles in just 13.2 Overs in their last group group match on Tuesday.“Even if we entered the final and faced Pakistan, we would all have done the same. We all the Indians are on the same wavelength,” added the initiate.Earlier, the former opener of India Shikhar Dhawan was the first to withdraw from the match against Pakistan.Dhawan published a declaration on social networks explaining his decision to boycott all the matches against Pakistan, citing the terrorist attack of Pahalgam which took place in April of this year.“Jo Kadam May 11 Ko Liya, Uspe Aaj Bhi Waise Hi Khada Hoon. Mera Desh Mere Liye Sab Kuch Hai, Aur Desh Se Badhkar Kuch Naha Hota,” said Dhawan in his statement.
Haha, maybe India is taking inspiration from a cinema film ‘refuse to duel’ and just wait for the final to appear. Cricket is a field not a theatre, but ok I chuckle. Let the stumps do the talking and not the headlines.
Relax folks, this plan is so dramatic that the trophy might mistake for a discount at the local bazaar. India not facing Pakistan in the semi means more memes and more drama; also maybe we win by default? Just kidding, but enjoy the drama.
I dont like this stance, it look like fear more then strategy. If we dodge Pakistan now, when will we ever face them? Cricket is about courage, not avoiding tough matches. Stop this politics call and show real game to the fans.
Oh great, the greatest strategic move ever, avoiding tough opponents by skipping the semis. How convenient, the trophy will come to us on the basis of moral high ground? Ironically the fans still watch the game, while some folks talk politics more than cricket.
I am happy with the message. It shows country pride but we must remain humble even in victory. If other teams respect it, maybe their players will also show good sportsmanship in semis. This is a positive step for unity in our team and fans as well.
Wonderful plan, because nothing screams champions like dodging an opponent. I suppose the scoreboard will reflect our ‘firm stance’ while the match shows a forfeit? Very professional, very sportsmanlike. Kudos to the PR team for turning cricket into a courtroom.
Really proud to see India stand firm, this is a strong move and shows the team morale is high. Its not about fear; its about focusing on cricket and playing to win without extra drama. I hope they keep this spirit through the semis and beyond. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
Some readers might wonder about the WCL schedule. The semis are usually decided by the group stage performance, and there can be rivalry. The article mentions that this stance makes the match more interesting but also risky to the sport’s fairness. Wait for official statement to clarify.
From the article i read, WCL stands for World Cricket League, an ICC event where the semis decided by group points not by mood. So its important to know results matter more then slogans. If India really refuse to face Pakistan it will set a bad precedent for sportsmanship and fair play. Best to wait for official statement to confirm.
On the point I must argue, dodging a rival never solves anything. If we avoid Pakistan now, it only postpones the issue and might cost more in finals. The true leaders show grit and take the game head on, not hide behind slogans. Cricket is not only slogans, it’s about skill and mental toughness.