India Vs Pakistan WCL 2025 Semifinals In Trouble As EaseMyTrip Pulls Out Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

EaseMyTrip withdraws from sponsoring the India vs Pakistan WCL 2025 semi-final, citing national sentiment and stating that “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.”

In a move that has ignited widespread debate, EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti announced the company’s withdrawal from sponsoring the highly-anticipated India vs Pakistan semi-final clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Citing national sentiment in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pitti declared via social media that “nation comes first, business later.”

The recent terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, has deeply influenced public discourse around Indo-Pak sporting relations. Pitti’s statement—“Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand”—struck a chord with a large segment of Indian fans who’ve been vocal about separating sports from diplomacy when national security is at stake.

India Champions Blaze Into Semi-Finals Amid Off-Field Tensions

Despite the political drama off the pitch, India Champions delivered a powerful performance to seal their place in the WCL semi-finals. Needing to chase 145 runs in under 14.1 overs to qualify, they stormed past West Indies Champions in just 13.2 overs.

Stuart Binny led the charge with a blazing half-century, earning him the Player of the Match award. He was ably supported by captain Yuvraj Singh and the explosive Yusuf Pathan, whose aggressive strokeplay put the opposition on the back foot early.

From being bottom on the points table to clawing their way into fourth place, India’s turnaround has been a highlight of the tournament. Earlier setbacks against South Africa, Australia, and England made this comeback all the more impressive — showcasing the grit and experience of the cricketing legends donning India’s colors.

India vs Pakistan WCL Semi-Final: High Stakes On and Off the Field

The upcoming India vs Pakistan semi-final was already pegged as a marquee event in the WCL, thanks to the storied rivalry and massive fan interest. Now, with EaseMyTrip’s withdrawal and heightened national sentiment, the stakes are even higher.

While the tournament organizers have not yet issued an official statement on the match's status, questions linger about whether the fixture will proceed, given India had earlier declined to play Pakistan during the league stage for similar reasons.

If the match does go ahead, it’s expected to draw huge viewership—both for the cricketing action and the political backdrop surrounding it.

EaseMyTrip’s Calculated Stand: Brand Loyalty Over Brand Visibility?

EaseMyTrip’s initial involvement with the WCL was part of a broader marketing strategy aimed at tapping into nostalgia and leveraging the global cricket audience. However, their decision to publicly boycott the India vs Pakistan match underlines a strategic pivot—one that prioritizes national alignment over event promotion.

From a branding perspective, this move could yield long-term dividends. In an era where consumer loyalty is often driven by value alignment, Pitti’s strong nationalistic stance may solidify EaseMyTrip’s brand identity among patriotic Indian users.

Their message is clear: “Some things are bigger than sport.”

Implications for WCL and Future India-Pakistan Fixtures

The ripple effects of this boycott could be significant. Sponsorship withdrawals like this may impact the commercial viability of high-stakes India-Pakistan matches, especially in tournaments hosted outside of ICC’s umbrella. Other corporate players may follow suit, prompting organizers to tread carefully in future editions.

Moreover, the WCL—an innovative league celebrating cricket legends—now finds itself in the crosshairs of geopolitical friction. What started as a feel-good nostalgia tournament has become a reflection of how deeply politics and cricket are intertwined on the subcontinent.