'Nation Always At The Top': India Champions Would've Boycotted Pakistan Even If It Was WCL Final
India Champions are officially out of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) tournament after pulling out of their semifinal clash against Pakistan Champions that was scheduled for Thursday. Citing the ongoing diplomatic tensions between, a league match between the two teams was called off earlier before India forfeited the semifinal match resulting in Pakistan advancing to the title clash.
The second semifinal between South Africa Champions and Australia Champions will go ahead as per schedule.
Explaining the decision, an India Champion insider said the team would've withdrawn even if it was a final match against Pakistan,
'We are not playing against Pakistan (in semis). Our country and nation will always be at the top for us, and then anything. India ke liye kuch bhi (Anything for India). We are proud members of the Indian team. We have struggled and worked hard to put the Indian flag on our shirts, and we earned it. We will never let our country down, no matter what. Bharat Mata ki jai!," TimesofIndia.com quoted the insider as saying.
'Even if we had entered the final and faced Pakistan, we all would have done the same. We all Indians are on the same page," the insider added.
The WCL organisers released a statement on Wednesday confirming India's withdrawal.
'At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. However, public sentiment must always be respected – after all, everything we do is for our audience. We respect the India Champions' decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions' readiness to compete," the statement read.
'Taking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final," it added.
Ticket Holders To Be Refunded
Those who has bought tickets for the semifinal clash between India and Pakistan, will receive a 50 percent refund.
'All ticket holders will receive a 50% refund to cover the first of the two Semi Final fixtures. Refunds will be made automatically to the purchaser only, via the original payment method refunding to a debit or credit card. Please allow up to 30 days for your refund to be processed," Warwickshire County Cricket Club said in a statement.
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