The Indian champions have refused to play against Pakistan in the semi-finals of the World Championship of Legends.

India Champion has refused to play against Pakistan in the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends. This semi-final is to be held on Thursday. India Champion has maintained its previous stance of not participating in competitive matches against its arch-rival. India Champion has entered the semi-final by defeating West Indies Champions in just 13.2 overs in its last group match on Tuesday. India Champion's refusal to play the semi-final means that Pakistan Champion will reach the final.

"Indian players have refused to play against Pakistan in the WCL semi-final to be held on Thursday," a close source told news agency IANS on Wednesday.

Earlier, the league stage game between the two countries was officially cancelled following strong objections from Indian players and a major tournament sponsor, following which there was a public announcement by former Indian cricketers including Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan who said they would not attend the match.

Earlier on Wednesday, EaseMyTrip, one of the main sponsors of the WCL, pulled out of the India-Pakistan WCL semi-final. The sponsor confirmed its long-standing policy of not participating in any match involving Pakistan.

"We applaud Team India for their stellar performance at the World Championship of Legends, you have made the nation proud. However, the upcoming semifinal against Pakistan is not just another game, terror and cricket cannot go together. At EaseMyTrip, we stand with India. We cannot support any event that seeks to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism," Nishant Pitti, co-founder of the travel-tech company, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Nishant Pitti further added, "The people of India have spoken and we listen to them. EasyMyTrip will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL. Some things are bigger than sports. Nation first, business later, always."

It has been a roller-coaster tournament for India Champions, starting with a heavy 88-run loss to South Africa Champions (via DRS method), followed by defeats against Australia (4 wickets) and England (23 runs). Before the win against West Indies, their only point came from a cancelled match against Pakistan.

PC:NDTVIndia