The high-voltage India vs Pakistan semi-final in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) has hit an unexpected roadblock — and it’s not due to weather or team changes. This time, it’s all about a bold move by the sponsor.
Popular travel brand EaseMyTrip has withdrawn its sponsorship from the much-hyped legends match, saying it doesn’t want to be linked to any India-Pakistan contest. This last-minute decision has left the WCL organizers scrambling, with fans wondering what this means for the biggest match of the tournament.
Why Did EaseMyTrip Back Out?
The company’s co-founder Nishant Pitti shared the news on social media, stating:
“We have decided not to sponsor the India vs Pakistan match in the WCL semi-finals. This is a conscious decision in line with our company’s sentiment of standing by our nation.”
This isn’t a first for EaseMyTrip — they’ve taken similar stands in the past, especially when political tensions between India and Pakistan were high.
his isn’t just any match — it’s an India vs Pakistan showdown featuring cricket legends like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, and more. The semi-final was expected to be a blockbuster, with massive global viewership and fanfare.
Now, the sponsor pulling out has created problems for:
- Promotions and marketing
- On-ground branding and coverage
- Broadcasting tie-ups
While the match hasn’t been cancelled, things are clearly uncertain behind the scenes.
Cricket lovers are divided. While some are applauding EaseMyTrip’s patriotic stance, others are upset and feel sports should rise above politics.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users are debating the issue under trending hashtags like #IndiaVsPakistan, #LetLegendsPlay, and #BoycottPakistanMatch.
What Do the Organizers Say?
A WCL official commented (off the record):
“We respect the sponsor’s views, but we’re now working hard to fill the gap. We’re doing everything we can to make sure the match happens smoothly.”
The WCL team is now looking for new sponsors and broadcast partners to keep the semi-final on track.
Yes — as of now, the match is still on. But without a title sponsor and with marketing plans disrupted, it might look and feel different than expected.
It remains to be seen if the WCL can recover quickly and deliver the clash fans have been waiting for. One thing is certain — this match has already made headlines before a single ball has been bowled.
