India refuse to play against Pakistan in World Championship of Legends: ESPNcricinfo

Amid simmering political tensions, an Indian cricket team featuring retired stars pulled out of their semifinal match against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends, according to a report on ESPNcricinfo.

The Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions, who had also refused to play against the Shoaib Malik-led Pakistan Champions in the group stage of the tournament, were scheduled to take on their arch-rivals in the first semifinal at Birmingham on Thursday.

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Pakistan will progress to the final of the eight-team tournament after India's decision to pull out of the match.

This decision comes just days after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced that India's cricket board will host the 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE.

The marquee clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for September 14.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced a massive backlash following the announcement as opposition leaders have called for a boycott of the match.

The relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply following the deadly April 22 terror attack at Pahalgam in the Indian-administered Kashmir.

India blamed Pakistan for the attack — an allegation strongly rejected by the Pakistan government — which killed 26 civilians.

What followed was a four-day military conflict between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours in May before a ceasefire was announced.

Khaleej Times Staff

webteam@khaleejtimes.com