EaseMyTrip Ends Sponsorship Tie with WCL Ahead of India vs Pakistan Semi-Final: “Terror and Cricket Cannot Go Hand in Hand”
In a dramatic development ahead of the high-profile India vs Pakistan semi-final in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, EaseMyTrip, a major Indian travel-tech sponsor, has officially withdrawn its support — citing national principles amid rising tensions and public sentiment.
Sponsor Stands Firm: Why EaseMyTrip Pulled Out
- EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti posted on X that the company will not support the India‑Pakistan match, stating:
“Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.” - Despite a five-year sponsorship deal with WCL, the company emphasized it had always maintained a policy of non-engagement with matches involving Pakistan.
- Pitti stressed: “Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later.”
Fallout: Cancellation of the Iconic Fixture
- The semi-final between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, initially scheduled for July 31, 2025, has been thrown into uncertainty following the sponsorship withdrawal.
- EaseMyTrip’s stance followed earlier Indian player boycotts including Shikhar Dhawan, and subsequent WCL apology and cancellation of the fixture.
- WCL organizers formally apologized, stating the match had been called off to avoid hurting national sentiments.
Public Sentiment and Political Backdrop
- The controversy was further fueled by outrage over the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting Indian legends to opt out of matches involving Pakistan.
- Many fans and politicians supported EaseMyTrip’s decision, framing it as a stand for nation-first values over sports diplomacy.
- The incident raises renewed debate about the role of sports in geopolitical relations, and whether mega-events can remain apolitical.
Broader Implications: What Lies Ahead? India vs Pakistan Semi-Final
For WCL
- The absence of its marquee match affects tournament viewership, sponsor confidence, and branding credibility.
- With other sponsors distancing themselves, WCL’s future format and commercial viability may be under scrutiny.
For EaseMyTrip
- The principled stand may bolster brand loyalty among nationalistic segments, reinforcing its position as a patriotic corporate entity.
- But it may also risk consumer backlash in Pakistan-aligned or neutral markets.
For India‑Pakistan Sporting Ties
- Reoccurrence of match cancellations may set a precedent affecting future bilateral fixtures in veteran events and other sports.
- It underscores how geopolitical tensions continue to bleed into sports, challenging notions of athletic neutrality.
Quick Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | EaseMyTrip (travel-tech platform) |
| Decision | Withdrawn support from WCL India‑Pakistan semi-final |
| Reason Cited | National principle: “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand” |
| Match Status | India vs Pakistan match officially canceled by WCL |
| Catalyst | Player refusals, political pressures, Pahalgam terror attack sentiment |
| Impacts | Tournament credibility challenged; brand benefits among nationalist Indian consumers |
Bottom Line
EaseMyTrip’s abrupt exit from the WCL India-Pakistan semi-final reflects the intensely political undercurrents shaping modern sport. In its statement, “nation first, business later” became more than a slogan — it became a decision affecting high-stakes cricket on a global stage. With the fixture called off and the tournament’s prestige dented, this episode has highlighted how sports, sponsors, and national narratives can collide — sometimes with lasting repercussions.