Political tensions between India and Pakistan have once again affected the cricketing world.
This time, it impacted the World Championship of Legends (WCL)
India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh, withdrew from their semifinal against Pakistan Champions in the WCL, according to ESPNcricinfo.
They were set to play the match on Thursday in Birmingham.
Earlier in the tournament, India had also refused to play Pakistan during the group stage.
That refusal raised concerns over political influence in sports.
As a result, Pakistan will move directly into the final of the eight-team tournament WCL.
The match will be played later this week.
Meanwhile, the decision comes shortly after the Asian Cricket Council confirmed India will host the 2025 Asia Cup.
UAE will host that tournament in September.
India vs Pakistan match will held on September 14 during the Asia Cup.
However, uncertainty surrounds the clash due to political tensions.
The BCCI now faces severe backlash in India.
Opposition parties have demanded a boycott of matches against Pakistan in WCL.
Notably, tensions spiked after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 civilians.
India blamed Pakistan, but Islamabad strongly denied involvement.
Following the incident, both countries entered a four-day military conflict in May.
Eventually, both countries declared ceasefire to avoid further escalation.
Therefore, the cricketing fallout reflects broader diplomatic issues between the two nations.
Fans now await clarity ahead of the Asia Cup showdown.
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