Suresh Raina Speaks Out on India’s Decision to Skip Clash Against Pakistan in WCL 2025
AB de Villiers Powers South Africa to WCL Title; Raina Praises India’s Stand
The second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) concluded with South Africa Champions, led by AB de Villiers, clinching the title in dominant fashion. De Villiers delivered a stunning unbeaten 120 off just 60 balls, propelling his team to a nine-wicket win over Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston, Birmingham. His knock, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, helped chase down the target of 196 with 19 balls to spare.
Post-match, former India batter Suresh Raina took to social media to congratulate the Proteas and de Villiers for the commanding win. He also remarked that India would have easily defeated Pakistan had they chosen to play. India had opted out of their scheduled group and semi-final matches against Pakistan in WCL 2025, citing national sentiments in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
The decision, backed by tournament sponsors like EaseMyTrip and its founder Nishant Pitti, earned praise from many, including Raina. “We chose our nation above everything else… That’s real character,” he posted on X, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing national interest over sporting rivalries.
What a knock by @ABdeVilliers17 in the final, absolutely smashed it
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 2, 2025
Had we played, we would’ve crushed them too, but we chose our nation above everything else.
Full respect to @EaseMyTrip and @nishantpitti for standing firm and not supporting any match involving them. That’s…
India opts out of the semi-final
India Champions reached the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 after a solid win over the West Indies. However, they withdrew from their highly anticipated semi-final against Pakistan, informing the organisers just a day before the match. This decision, driven by national sentiment, led to India’s exit from the tournament, handing Pakistan a walkover into the final.
Meanwhile, South Africa secured their place in the summit clash with a nail-biting one-run victory over Australia in the other semi-final. The Proteas then went on to dominate the final, defeating Pakistan to claim the WCL 2025 title.
India had been the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy in the tournament’s inaugural edition after defeating Pakistan in the final.
