Indian sponsor EaseMyTrip has pulled out of the India-Pakistan semi-final of the World Championship of Legends, citing terror concerns. In a public statement, the company's founder has said that terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.
Founder and chairman Nishant Pitti in his tweet, wrote, We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends, you’ve made the nation proud. However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game, Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.
@EaseMyTrip , we stand with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism. The people of India have spoken and we hear them. EaseMyTrip will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL.Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first business later Always.
The staement comes right after India champions beat West Indies champions by five wickets to qualify for the semifinal of the tournament. As per WCL's format, the team placed first will face the team placed fourth, while the team in second spot will take on third.
Earlier in the tournament, India had forfeited their group stage match against Pakistan after several players pulled out of the clash. Dhawan had even shared a screenshot of a previous mail with the WCL authorities where he had stated that he would not be participating in matches against Pakistan due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the countries.
On July 27, during India's group stage game against England, Shikhar Dhawan was asked by one of the fans in the stadium if he would be playing the team's potential semi-final against Pakistan. Dhawan, visibly irritated with the question, gave a stern reply.
"Brother, you're asking this question at the wrong place right now. If you're asking that, do you think I’m going to answer? You shouldn't be asking this question. And if I haven’t played earlier, then I still won’t play," Dhawan said .
What happens if India do not play Pakistan?
With India finishing fourth, they are set to play Pakistan. However, if the Yuvraj Singh-led team decide against taking the field, Pakistan could be awarded a direct berth in the final by topping the points table.
