Afridi Taunts India Champions Amid Uncertainty Over Semi-Final Clash with Pakistan

News Desk

Birmingham: As arch-rivals Pakistan and India prepare for a potentially explosive semi-final in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has stirred the pot with a cheeky dig aimed at the Indian side even as doubts loom over whether the match will go ahead.

Speaking to the media ahead of the high-stakes encounter in Birmingham, Afridi couldn’t resist a jab at the India Champions, highlighting Pakistan’s undefeated run despite the age of its players.

“Pakistan has reached the semi-final. Look at our ages — we have reached the semis. With what face will India play a semi-final against Pakistan?” Afridi quipped, triggering laughter and speculation in equal measure.

The much-anticipated showdown, slated for tomorrow, has been thrown into uncertainty after Indian media reports claimed several players in the India Champions squad are hesitant to take the field against Pakistan. Tournament organizers have yet to release an official statement addressing the reports.

This isn’t the first flashpoint between the two sides during WCL 2025. Just two weeks ago, the India Champions — the defending titleholders — refused to play a scheduled group-stage match against Pakistan, resulting in both teams being awarded a point each.

Should the India Champions pull out of the semi-final as well, Pakistan will automatically advance to the final — a decision that could ignite fresh controversy in an already politically and emotionally charged contest.

Despite a rocky start that saw them languish at the bottom of the table, the India Champions pulled off a dramatic comeback. Their campaign was revived with a blistering chase against the West Indies, where they chased 145 in just 14 overs, thanks to Stuart Binny’s explosive half-century and a composed finish from Yusuf Pathan.

In contrast, the Pakistan Champions have been the team to beat this season. Runners-up in the previous edition, they topped the group table with an unblemished record, dismantling opponents with ease. Their most recent triumph saw them thrash Australia Champions — bowling them out for just 74 runs — led by Saeed Ajmal’s stunning six-wicket spell. Pakistan chased down the target without losing a wicket, sealing victory inside eight overs.

With the fate of the semi-final hanging in the balance, Afridi’s comments have only added fuel to the fire. As fans await clarity, one thing is certain: whether on the field or off it, the India-Pakistan rivalry remains cricket’s most compelling drama.