Afridi Slams India Champions as India Pulls Out of WCL Semi‑Final Against Pakistan
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was visibly stunned as the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team exited the stadium after refusing to play the Pakistan Champions in the WCL 2025 semi-final. Their decision followed a previous boycott of the league match, amid backlash after the Pahalgam terror attack. Afridi implied that a discordant individual—“one bad egg”—had spoiled the event.
The Incident: India Walks Out
India Champions withdrew from both their group-stage match and the semi-final against Pakistan Champions, citing heightened political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Their exit shook the tournament and drew immediate criticism.
Afridi’s Comments
Afridi called out the incident, stating “there’s one bad egg” within the team setup that ruined the occasion. His remarks questioned India’s refusal to face Pakistan despite tournament protocols.
Who Pulled Out
Several Indian legends including Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Yuvraj Singh and others refused to play. India Champions released a statement stating: “With a heavy heart, we withdrew … Country over game. Integrity over everything.”
Tournament Fallout
With India Champions withdrawing, the Pakistan side advanced to the final by default. The unexpected exit disrupted WCL’s narrative and raised questions on politicisation of legends cricket. Public comments and debate grew intense following Afridi’s scathing remarks.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | WCL 2025 Semi-Final: India Champions vs Pakistan Champions |
| Action | India Champions withdrew; match canceled |
| Afridi’s Reaction | Criticism with “one bad egg” comment |
| Players Opting Out | Yuvraj Singh, Raina, Dhawan, Pathan, others |
| Outcome | Pakistan Champions moved to the final |
FAQs
Why did India Champions refuse to play Pakistan in the WCL semi-final?
Following political tensions and criticism after the Pahalgam attack, several former Indian players chose to withdraw from both the group match and semi-final against Pakistan Champions.
What did Shahid Afridi say after India’s walkout?
Afridi criticised the decision, saying “there’s one bad egg” within the setup that spoiled things, and questioned India’s consistency in refusing to face Pakistan.
What was the outcome after India pulled out?
Pakistan Champions advanced to the WCL 2025 final by default after India Champions withdrew from the semi-final.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.
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