The second season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 ended in a fabulous manner as the South Africa champions, under their captain Ab de Villiers’ century in the final against the Pakistan champions, lifted their title. Chasing 196 runs, the Proteas crossed the finishing line with 19 balls to spare, as the veteran drilled 12 fours and seven sixes.

However, the most unexpected and hilarious moment of the day came at the end of the clash. Harshit Tomar, the owner of the WCL, was being interviewed by anchor Karishma Kotak when, right at the end of the program, she asked Harshit how he would plan to celebrate the success of the tournament. Tomar’s reply put everyone off guard.

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‘Probably once this is over, I am going to propose to you.’ Tomar said the comment, made on air, stunned the presenter. With an expression of ‘Oh my god.’ She was quick to regain her composure and switched back to her role. The moment has been the talking point on social media, with many views calling the exchange awkward and uncomfortable.

Watch: WCL owner proposed TV presenter after WCL 2025 final as video goes viral

Some of the spectators have criticized the bluntness of Tomar, who put Kotak under the bus in a live telecast. It was the latter’s brilliance to gather her for the moment, put everything aside, and get back to the job. Tomar, soon after the incident, shared a picture of himself with Kotak on social media, to which he captioned a heart emoji.

This is so weird bro 😭 pic.twitter.com/E8gRADq2sT

— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) August 3, 2025

Pakistan, batting first, smashed 195/5 in their 20 overs as Sharjeel Khan nailed 76 runs in 44 balls with the help of nine boundaries and four sixes. Umar Amin and Asif Ali provided them a vital end to the inning, which lost the pace in the middle overs.

In reply, the Proteas hardly needed to put a sweat as Ab drilled an unbeaten knock of 120 runs in 60 balls, smashing 12 boundaries and seven sixes at a strike rate of 200, while on the other hand, JP Duminy remained unbeaten on 50 runs in 28 balls to complete the successful chase.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a total ban on its players competing in future editions of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) on Sunday, 3 August 2025, stating "bias" for the organizers and a lack of sporting integrity. The decision came in the aftermath of India's forfeiture of both the group-stage match and semifinal clash against Pakistan, which the PCB claims were unjustly awarded in India’s favor. The board voiced its discontent following a virtual board of governors meeting chaired by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.

In its official statement, the PCB criticized the WCL for rewarding points to India despite its voluntary withdrawal, terming the decision "tainted with hypocrisy and bias." The statement further noted, “The PCB reviewed with considerable disappointment WCL's appalling conduct of awarding points to a willfully forfeiting team,” and expressed concern over press releases by the WCL that allegedly favored a "specific nationalistic narrative." The Indian squad comprising Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh had refused to play Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Pakistan, as a result of the forfeiture, advanced directly to the WCL final. However, the PCB declared that the tournament's decisions were driven not by cricketing merit but by political sentiment. “The cancellation was not based on cricketing merit but on appeasing a specific nationalistic narrative,” the board said. It warned that such bias “sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.”

PCB slams “farcical” WCL apology, cites compromised neutrality

While the WCL organizers, co-owned by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, issued a public apology, saying, “We sincerely apologize again for hurting the sentiments,” the PCB rejected the gesture outright. “The WCL's apology… whilst being farcical, inadvertently acknowledges that the cancellation was not based on cricketing merit,” the PCB said. It argued that the decision to cancel the games reflected external political influence, cloaked in the name of sensitivity.

See Also: 'You can't compare me to Dhoni'- AB de Villiers' stunning reply to retirement question during WCL 2025

The board concluded that it had no option but to implement a permanent ban, stating, “The PCB can no longer condone participation in an event where the fundamental principles of fair play and unbiased administration are compromised.” Sources close to the matter revealed that WCL’s Indian promoters had already been contemplating dropping the Pakistan team from future editions.

South Africa Champions simply demolished Pakistan Champions in the final of WCL 2025, which concluded on Sunday with South Africa as the winner. After the match, the former India international took a dig at the Pakistan Champions team through his social media post.

The comments made by Raina showcased his confidence in India and the commitment to representing the nation beyond the cricket ground. Raina was confident that India Champions too could have brutally defeated Pakistan. 

"What a knock by AB de Villiers in the final; he absolutely smashed it. Had we played, we would’ve crushed them too, but we chose our nation above everything else," Suresh Raina said this on his social media post. 

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Here's what Suresh Raina wrote:

What a knock by @ABdeVilliers17 in the final, absolutely smashed it

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…

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 2, 2025

The champions of India and Pakistan were scheduled to collide in the semifinal of the WCL 2025. But the team in blue chose to boycott the match. Thus, as per the rules of the tournament, Pakistan advanced to the final by default and faced South Africa in the title decider. AB de Villiers, who was honored with the man of the series and man of the match awards, single-handedly took the final match away from Pakistan. An unbeaten 120 off 60 from Villiers was enough to thrash Pakistan, supported by JP Jean-Paul Duminy's unbeaten 50. 

Pakistan, batting first, posted a formidable score of 195/5 in their 20 overs; Sharjeel Khan put in an exceptional performance by scoring 76 runs in 44 deliveries. But this total proved not enough to restrict the South African champions from lifting the WCL 2025 trophy. 

South Africa Champions crushed Pakistan Champions in the final of the World Championship of Legends 2025. The team contained multiple stars, the best in their prime active days. But, as the cricket followers know, South Africa's trophy luck was not with them.

Players like AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, and many others mostly experienced heartbreaking runs in multiple ICC events. When they went to hoist the WCL 2025 trophy, the smiles and the expressions on their faces said all about their hard work and the end of a long wait to win a trophy for the country.

Throughout the series, SA Champions skipper AB de Villiers was in exceptional form; he continued the run flow against Pakistan Champions in the final encounter too. De Villiers', with his 120* runs in 60 deliveries, turned the match into a one-sided contest and helped South Africa to win the final by 9 wickets. Pakistan, batting first, set 196 as the target for the South African champions. Pakistan Champions opener Sharjeel Khan put in an exceptional performance by scoring 76 runs in 44 deliveries.

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SA lost Amla early during their run chase, and Pakistan got a chance to capture the front seat. But AB de Villiers pulled out another unearthly performance, well accompanied by Jean-Paul Duminy. Duminy remained unbeaten on a score of 50 runs as the South Africa Champions defeated the Pakistan Champions by nine wickets and hoisted the title. 

What a celebration man all trophy-less trolls ends today pic.twitter.com/0Lql1dTkpM

— Popa 🇮🇳 (@MagnesiumKohli) August 2, 2025

Pakistan vs South Africa Champions Playing XI:

South Africa Playing XI:

Hashim Amla, JJ Smuts, Morne van Wyk (w), Sarel Erwee, Jean-Paul Duminy, Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, Jacques Rudolph, Aaron Phangiso, Imran Tahir, Duanne Olivier.

Pakistan Playing XI:

Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (w), Mohammad Hafeez (c), Asif Ali, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Umar Amin, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Saeed Ajmal.

Sharjeel Khan gave Pakistan Champions a flying start, hitting nine fours and four big sixes in his quick 76 from 44 balls. Even though Kamran Akmal and captain Mohammad Hafeez got out early, Pakistan fought back.

Umar Amin played a sharp 36 not out from 19 balls, and Asif Ali added a quick 28 from 15 balls to take the total to 195 for 5. For South Africa Champions, Hardus Viljoen (2-38) and Wayne Parnell (2-32) picked up two wickets each.

Chasing 196, South Africa lost Hashim Amla for 18 to Saeed Ajmal by the end of the powerplay. From there, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy took charge. The pair added 125 runs without getting out.

De Villiers was at his brilliant best, smashing a century from just 47 balls his third of the tournament and guiding South Africa Champions to a comfortable 9‑wicket win over Pakistan Champions to lift the WCL 2025 trophy.

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Twitter reactions after SACH wins Final of WCL 2025

South Africa 🇿🇦 Champions are the Champions of WCL 2025 🏆

- SA Champions beat Pakistan Champions by 9 wickets and chased down 196 in just 16 overs 😨 pic.twitter.com/KbuLX3yiK6

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) August 2, 2025

𝐂.𝐇.𝐀.𝐌.𝐏.𝐈.𝐎.𝐍.𝐒 🇿🇦🏆

South Africa Champions lift the WCL 2025 title after defeating Pakistan Champions in the Final! 🎉🙌

Skipper AB de Villiers leads from the front with an unbeaten century in Birmingham! 💪💯#ABdeVilliers #WCL2025 #SACHvPAKCH #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/OC9fb6d9Le

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 2, 2025

ABD ROCKED 🥳

Pakistan Shocked 😜

We Have New WCL Champion 🍾

This Time For Africa ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kM2n7jP9G6

— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) August 2, 2025

SA are the champions of 2025 WCL 🔥

They Defeated Pakistan in final
AB deVilliers alone Scored 120* (60) pic.twitter.com/tBCxKJpJts

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) August 2, 2025

Whaat a winnn😭😭🥺🇿🇦
G.O.A.T. ABD 120* 💚💚
JP 50*💚💚💚
We are a WCL Champions Lads🔥 pic.twitter.com/Gy8z1iSGPl

— Basith----SA (@BasithSab) August 2, 2025

SA are the CHAMPIONS of WCL 2025!
They have defeated Pakistan in the final 💥

AB de Villiers – The Man, The Myth, The Madness!
120* (60) in the FINAL! 🐐💯
Led his team like a true legend.

The World Champion we all waited for. 🙌#WCL2025 #ABdeVilliers #SouthAfricaChampions pic.twitter.com/ioPh5HoJuQ

— AtifOnCricket 🏏 (@cricatif) August 2, 2025

SA champion is the champion of WCL2025❤️🔥
Abd leading the team and champion 🏆🏆🔥
What a year for ABD :-
RCB won trophy 🏆
SA won WTC 🏆
SAC won WCL🏆#SACHvsPAKCH pic.twitter.com/LDMsYLdim7

— King Kohli 🐐 (@duary_satyajit) August 2, 2025

𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮🇿🇦

WCL 2025 WINNER 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vw6iwdJxLJ

— Sanjay Saran (@SanjaySaran001) August 2, 2025

When India Champions chased down the target against the West Indies in their last group-stage clash of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, they qualified for the semifinal, where they would face their arch-rival, Pakistan. But, during their group-stage clash, the game was canceled after the Indian players maintained their stance of not facing this opponent.

The recent news has revealed that they will keep going with the same decision and boycott the semifinal clash against the Mohammed Hafeez-led side. Generally, in such cases, the victory is awarded to the opposition side. That will see the Hafeez-led side advancing into the final of the tournament.

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‘Indian players have refused to play against Pakistan in the WCL semifinal scheduled for Thursday. Retired international players representing India Champions have refused to play against Pakistan Champions in the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham.’ The recent reports claimed.

India Champions boycott WCL 2025 semifinal against Pakistan Champions

Earlier on July 30, the main sponsor of the WCL for the India side, EaseMyTrip, decided to take their name off the event in case the Blue Brigade face the Pakistan side in the semifinal, reaffirming the longstanding policy of non-participation in any match involving the neighbours.

‘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. 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.’ The co-founder of the travel-tech company, Nishant Pitti, said in a statement.

It has been a tough three weeks for the Indian champions, who lost their opening infield clash against the Proteas before facing another defeat against Australia. But their only and first victory over the Caribbean side was enough to get them into the semifinal of the competition. South Africa, on the other hand, will lock horns with Australia in the second semifinal.

Sponsor EasyMyTrip has taken its name out of the upcoming potential semifinal clash between the India Champions and Pakistan Champions during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Just hours after the Blue Brigade earned a vital victory against the West Indies, the announcement was made.

On July 30, the founder of EaseMyTrip, Nishant Pitti, wrote a message on X, where he publicly stated that they won’t be supporting the clash between the neighbours in the WCL. He congratulated the Yuvraj Singh-led side for their success in making it into the semis, but stated that they won’t cheer for ‘terror and cricket’ together.

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‘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 normalize relations with a country that promotes terrorism.’ Pitti wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

 EaseMyTrip takes huge decision on India Champions vs Pakistan Champions semifinal in WCL 2025

‘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. Jai Hind.’ He added. Earlier, during the group stage of the tournament, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, and many notable players pulled out of the competition.

India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final

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…

— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) July 30, 2025

‘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 in a cold voice in a video that went viral. After the stance from the Indian players, WCL canceled the group-stage clash between the two sides.

Thanks to Stuart Binny’s 50* off 21 balls and Yuvraj Singh’s fiery knock, India chased down the target of 145 runs in just 13.2 overs, which helped them boost the net run rate and move over the England Champions in the points table.

At Grace Road in Leicester, Pakistan Champions played outstanding cricket to beat Australia Champions by 10 wickets in Match 14 of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. After choosing to bowl first, Pakistan bowled out Australia for just 74 runs in 11.5 overs, thanks to a magical spell from Saeed Ajmal. In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in only 7.5 overs without losing a single wicket, making it one of the most one-sided wins of the tournament. With this win, Pakistan moved to the top of the points table.

Australia Champions had a tough day at the office. They were all out for just 74 runs and couldn’t handle Pakistan’s strong bowling attack. Ben Dunk was the only bright spot with 26 runs off 14 balls. The rest of the batters, including Callum Ferguson (10) and Shaun Marsh (7), couldn’t stay long at the crease. Saeed Ajmal was the star for Pakistan, taking 6 wickets for just 16 runs in 3.5 overs. He completely confused the Australian batters. Imad Wasim took 2 wickets, and Sohail Tanvir got 1, making it a strong bowling effort.

Pakistan Champions came out to bat with confidence and finished the chase in just 7.5 overs. Sharjeel Khan scored 32* from 23 balls, while Sohaib Maqsood stayed not out on 28 from 26 balls. Australia’s bowlers had a bad day, especially John Hastings, who bowled 11 wides in one over. In total, Australia gave away 14 extra runs. It was a one-sided match where Pakistan showed total control and walked away with an easy 10-wicket win, putting them on top of the WCL 2025 points table.

ALSO READ: The day when Rohit Sharma made Ben Stokes' England field for only 2 overs

Twitter reactions after PAKCH wins 14th match of WCL 2025

Saeed Ajmal weaved pure magic, dismantling the Australian champions for just 74 runs with a jaw-dropping 6/16 in WCL 2025. pic.twitter.com/dTQnSmhE36

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 29, 2025

🔥 Saeed Ajmal absolutely demolished the Aussie lineup, finishing with 6 wickets for just 17 runs in 3.5 overs—including 15 dot balls—to bowl Australia out for a paltry 74 all‑out. What a phenomenal performance! 🇵🇰✨

🏏 One of those spells you’ll replay over and over... sheer… pic.twitter.com/2Itn2sXHqK

— Sports Eye (@MySportsEye) July 29, 2025

Pakistan Champions finish the group stage on a high and top the table!

They’re all set to play the semi-final, momentum on their side.

[Cricket, CricTracker, Pakistan Champions, Australia Champions, WCL 2025] pic.twitter.com/TypbzyNgKX

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 29, 2025

SAEED AJMAL’S MAGICAL SPELL IN WCL HISTORY 🤯

6 wickets for just 16 runs in 3.5 overs ,Australia bowled out for only 74! THE JADUGAR 🔥 #WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/N4caTcRvMg

— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) July 29, 2025

- Beat England.
- Called off with India.
- Beat West Indies.
- Beat South Africa.
- Beat Australia.

Pakistan Champions are unbeaten in WCL 2025 and topped the group stage to reach semi final in style.#WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/lD4VTFeyK6

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) July 29, 2025

Vintage Saeed Ajmal show in WCL.

- Picked up 6 wickets for just 16 runs in 3.5 overs. Pakistan bowled out Australia for 74 runs in World Championship of Legends.#WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/51yoBm9mHB

— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) July 29, 2025

Pakistan Champions vs Australia Champions
Australia Champions all out on 74 runs against Pakistan Champions. #PakvAus #WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/qqU0oHvXWD

— TajalNoor (@tajal_noor) July 29, 2025

Saeed Ajmal on fire 🔥
3.5 overs 6 wickets
Australia 74 all out . #PakvsAus #WCL2025 #WCL25 #PakvAus pic.twitter.com/mKRzHymSH5

— TajalNoor (@tajal_noor) July 29, 2025

At Grace Road, Leicester, Pakistan Champions delivered a ruthless all-round performance to dismantle Australia Champions by 10 wickets in Match 14 of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. After electing to bowl first, Pakistan bowled out Australia for a paltry 74 in just 11.5 overs because of an amazing spell from Saeed Ajmal. In the reply, the chase was completed in just 7.5 overs, making their victory one of the most dominant in the tournament. With this victory, Pakistan came first on the points table.

Australia Champions Innings

Australia Champions had a bad day with the bat, as they were sent back to the pavilion after scoring only 74 runs in 11.5 overs. Ben Dunk played some attacking shots in the beginning and scored 26 runs from 14 balls, but no other batsman could keep the scoreboard ticking with him. Callum Ferguson (10) and Shaun Marsh (7) wasted their energy fighting against a strong Pakistan bowling attack. Saeed Ajmal was the most notable in the team, as he took a magical spell of 6/16 in 3.5 overs, totally confusing the Aussies. Imad Wasim (2/11) and Sohail Tanvir (1/8) were the perfect fit for this well-oiled bowling machine.

Pakistan Champions Innings

Pakistan Champions completed a mere 75 runs target in 7.5 overs without losing a wicket, coming with a purpose and confidence. Sharjeel Khan was 32* from 23 balls, balling from the very start and thus setting the pace. Sohaib Maqsood kept the shafts in hand, scoring an unbeaten 28 off 26 balls. Australia’s bowling was off course and undisciplined; they gave 14 extras, including 11 wides in a single over from John Hastings. Pakistan ran flawlessly to win by 10 wickets, a victory that took them to the top of the WCL 2025 points table.

See Also: WCL 2025: Points Table, Leading run scorers and wicket takers after AUSCH vs PAKCH match 14

Australia Champions vs Pakistan Champions: Scorecard

Australia Champions – 74/10 (11.5 Overs)

Pakistan Champions – 75/0 (7.5 Overs)

Pakistan Champions won against West Indies Champions by 49 runs . The main palyer of the game was Kamran Akmal, who scored a superb century and helped his team reach a good total to defend the score.

Batting first, Pakistan started well. Sharjeel Khan scoring 21 runs after he got out, Then Kamran Akmal took charge and played a great innings. He batted well and hit the ball to all along the ground. He scored 113 runs from just 62 balls, with 13 fours and 5 sixes. His knock gave Pakistan Champions a big total of 200 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs. Mohammad Hafeez also added 23 runs, while Asif Ali and Shoaib Malik finished the innings strongly.

Chasing 201 runs, the West Indies Champions had a poor start. Mohammad Irfan Jr. Raees bowled brilliantly and took the early wickets of Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle, and Lendl Simmons. That put the West Indies under a lot of pressure.

Chadwick Walton tried to fight back with 42 runs, and Dwayne Bravo was not out on 30, but the team could only reach 151 for 7 in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers did a great job and never allowed the West Indies batters to settle. It was a complete team performance. Player of the Match is Kamran Akmal for his brilliant 113-run knock. A strong win for Pakistan Champions, who now look like a team to watch in the WCL 2025 tournament.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND 4th Test Day 4: Full Highlights and Scoreboard

Twitter reactions after PAKCH wins 11th match of WCL 2025

Beat England
Beat South Africa
Beat West Indies

Third consecutive win for Pakistan Champions in the WTC! 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/rikOs5BHKj

— junaiz (@Cricjunaizdaily) July 26, 2025

Kamran Akmal 113(62) vs West Indies Champions, WCL 2025 - Headingley | Ball By Ball Highlights#WCL2025 | #WCL25 | @KamiAkmal23pic.twitter.com/WAGyKMU2Hi

— PCT Replays 2.0 (@ReplaysPCT) July 26, 2025

Kamran Akmal 113 runs off 62 balls. What a world class innings in WCL #WCL25 #WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/EU7bl1EUsG

— Ahsan Shah 💚🇵🇰 (@ahsan_shah90) July 26, 2025