In a dramatic turn of events at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, Indian travel-tech firm EaseMyTrip has withdrawn its sponsorship from the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan semi-final match. The decision, announced by co-founder Nishant Pitti, stems from a firm stance that national interest and ethical principles outweigh commercial considerations. The move has sparked widespread debate and drawn attention to the intersection of sports, geopolitics, and public sentiment.
Key developments surrounding the withdrawal
- EaseMyTrip announced its exit from the India-Pakistan semi-final, citing national sentiment and recent terror-related incidents
- The company emphasized that it will not support any event that attempts to normalize relations with a country accused of promoting terrorism
- The statement was made public via social media, where Pitti declared that some things are bigger than sport
- The withdrawal aligns with a broader protest movement among Indian cricket legends who refused to participate in the match
Player-led protest and match cancellation
The controversy began when several former Indian cricketers, including Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan, opted out of the fixture. Their decision was rooted in discomfort over playing against Pakistan in light of recent terror attacks, particularly the April 22 incident in Pahalgam. Dhawan had reportedly informed tournament officials of his stance as early as May 11.
The collective withdrawal made it logistically impossible to field a full Indian squad, prompting WCL organizers to cancel the match. The organizers issued a formal statement expressing regret over any emotional distress caused and reaffirmed their commitment to respecting public sentiment.
Public and sponsor reactions
EaseMyTrip’s decision was met with a wave of support from fans and commentators who praised the company for prioritizing national values over business interests. The firm reiterated its long-standing position of not participating in any WCL match involving Pakistan, despite being under a five-year sponsorship agreement.
The company’s statement emphasized its continued support for Team India and its belief that patriotism should not be compromised for commercial gain. The phrase “Nation first, business later” became a rallying cry across social media platforms.
Implications for WCL and future fixtures
The cancellation of the India-Pakistan semi-final has cast a shadow over the WCL 2025 tournament, which was otherwise progressing smoothly across venues in the UK. While matches featuring teams from Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies continue as scheduled, the absence of the marquee clash has left fans disappointed and organizers scrambling to manage the fallout.
There is growing speculation about what will happen if India and Pakistan are drawn together again in the final. WCL officials have stated that any future decisions will be made based on the prevailing situation and sentiments at the time.
Broader reflections on sport and diplomacy
The incident has reignited discussions about the role of sports in diplomacy and whether cricket can truly remain apolitical in the subcontinent. While some argue that sporting events should foster goodwill, others believe that participation must be weighed against national security concerns and public emotion.
EaseMyTrip’s withdrawal, coupled with the players’ protest, sets a precedent for how brands and athletes may navigate future India-Pakistan fixtures. It also highlights the growing influence of public sentiment in shaping corporate and sporting decisions.
Sources: LiveMint, News18, Firstpost, Times of India, Mathrubhumi, MSN News
