The story is from the 2025 season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) when the Australia Champions met the Pakistan Champions for the 14th fixture at Grace Road in Leicester. The Brett Lee-led side was bundled out for 74, before John Hastings went through the 18-ball over, which consisted of 12 wides and one no-ball as the Green Brigade made a comfortable chase. 

The 39-year-old has opened up on the clash and specifically the over when he gave away 20 runs to see the opponents win by 10 wickets. John Hastings, during a recent podcast on Willow Talk Podcast, revealed that the Anti-Corruption United had a few questions for him, as he also turned down social media straightaway.

See Also: No Shreyas Iyer for India in Asia Cup 2025? Report drops bombshell

“The anti-corruption guys came up to me and said, 'Gee, you put us through a bit of hell last night.' He said we had to have a look at it. You missed the pitch on one of your balls. I said, 'Do you think I'll be doing any sort of match-fixing or anything like that?” Hastings talked on the podcast.

Josh Hastings breaks silence on 18-ball over during WCL 2025

Hastings didn’t have a long career for Australia, featuring in one Test, 29 ODIs, and nine T20Is, where he picked up 50 international wickets and smashed 369 runs. The New South Wales-born felt embarrassed on that evening and didn’t want to deal with social media.

 

 

 

 

 

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“He said, ‘No, but we don't know where you've been or what you've been doing for the last seven years.’ I said, ‘I'm not corrupt. ’ The Pakistan game, it's hard to explain. I had so many text messages from all the cricket fraternity, but I had also deleted social media for three days straightaway when I came off the field after the Pakistan game. I didn't want to deal with it.” The veteran revealed. 

“It's not funny, but it's one of those you can't explain when you're bowling. It was hard to take, it was embarrassing, and it was horrendous. But I am back on social media. So, the 1.5 million people who messaged me on Instagram, I'll reply to you when I can.” John Hastings concluded. 

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.

See Also: [WATCH] Australia produce better cricketers than England? Ricky Ponting analyzes

‘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.

A new franchise league, CLT10, is going to start, as its auction was held recently. Anil Chaudhary, the Indian umpire, who has officiated in 12 Tests, 49 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, was present in the ceremony. The Delhi-born also featured in one Women’s Test match, 11 ODIs, and three WT20Is.

The last game for the umpire was between Vidarbha and Kerala in February 2025 at Nagpur in a first-class game during the Ranji Trophy 2025 clash. In an exclusive interview with the website, he shared his views on the England-India Test series and the relationship between India and Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

See Also: Check full schedule of Lionel Messi's visit to India and three cities

Exclusive!! Anil Chaudhary opens up on India’s refusal to shake hands with Ben Stokes during Eng vs Ind 4th Test

Chaudhary revealed his views on the upcoming CLT10 league and the India-England series during an exclusive interview.  

Reporters: A new league, CLT10, is going to start, and the auction also happened today. Please share something regarding this with our viewers.

Anil Chaudhary: When I first came, it felt like a tennis cricket. But later, I was taken aback by the huge system they have organized in a professional way. Those who are in the other league need to understand the depth of this league. Charu Sharma, the leading auctioneer, is doing this today, and it was outstanding how he was doing it professionally, giving so much time.

Reporters: You have been watching India’s Test series in England. Shubman Gill has led them brilliantly and excelled with the bat. But they can’t win the series and can only draw it. If you have any takeaways on that, what will they be?

Anil Chaudhary: See, whenever India plays England or India faces Australia, especially in the away series, it always remains exciting. The young team has done pretty well. You don’t have two experienced players; Mohammed Shami is not part of the series, and Jasprit Bumrah is on and off. So, I think, they have done extremely well.

Reporter: In the fourth innings, we saw an instance where Ben Stokes came to shake hands, but India refused to do so because they wanted to celebrate the centuries. What’s your take on it?

Anil Chaudhary: He is such a good player that he should not have done that. Who misses hundreds? Even they would have done the same. These mental games keep going on in Test matches. They didn’t take it to heart and kept batting to notch up the centuries.

Reporter: The clash of India vs Pakistan in the semifinal of the WCL 2025 was called off. The same happened in the group stage. However, the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled a few months later. How do you see these things?

Anil Chaudhary: See, it’s the administrators’ job. I am not even following it. I have no idea about it, and the Indian Government will make the final decision.

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.

See Also: Ben Stokes rested as England announce their playing XI for ENG vs IND 5th Test

‘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.

See Also: [WATCH] Dinesh Karthik and Michael Vaughan react to Shubman Gill's performance in ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

‘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.

A clip of the former captain of the South Africa side, AB de Villiers, has gone viral, where the former batter of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise recently had an interview on social media. In the interaction, the reporter addressed the veteran batter as one of India’s most loved ‘non-Indian’ athletes. The batter, after all, has been playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a long time.  

The South Africa batter gave a very shocking reply, suggesting how much he loves India. The star player, who has a tremendous fanbase in this country, often dubs his YouTube videos into Hindi for the Indian spectators and listeners to understand.

See Also: Nitish Kumar Reddy reacts to rumours of leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2026

‘What do you mean by non-Indian? I am Indian.’ The former Protea batter’s clip from the interview has gone viral and has been shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on July 27. The post has a huge number of views on social media platforms. Ab was present in India during the last week of IPL 2025 and celebrated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), earning the title.

Watch: AB de Villiers makes shocking statement during WCL 2025

The right-handed batter, featuring for the SA Champions in the WCL 2025, against the Australia side at Leeds in Headingley, smashed 123 runs in just 46 balls. It was a knock arranged by 15 boundaries and eight sixes at a strike rate of 267.39. His opening partner, JJ Smuts, smacked 85 runs in 53 balls at 160.38 with the help of 10 boundaries and three sixes.

AB De Villiers: What do you mean, non-Indian? I'm Indian. pic.twitter.com/nA8rPQ3faI

— Vivek 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Mybrovirat) July 27, 2025

It was his second century of the tournament, having already smashed the first of the event against England at Grace Road in Leicester. It was a chase of 153 runs where Hashim Amla was just a spectator for his 29 unbeaten runs in 25 balls. AB dashed unbeaten 116 runs in 51 deliveries at a strike rate of 227.45, thanks to 15 boundaries and seven over boundaries.

South Africa is in the top position with four victories in five clashes at a net run-rate of +2.595. The only game they missed was against Pakistan, and they went on to lose the affair. They have qualified for the semifinal on July 31 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The exciting action of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 continues as the South Africa Champions get ready to face off against the Australia Champions at Headingley, Leeds. With both teams packed with world-class legends, this match promises another delightful encounter. As fans look forward to another thrilling encounter, attention turns to the weather, which is threatening to spoil what promises to be an entertaining start to the tournament! 

Match Details

• Fixture: South Africa Champions vs Australia Champions, Match 12
  
• Date: July 27, 2025
  
• Time: 05:00 PM IST
  
• Ground: Headingley, Leeds, United Kingdom
  
• Win % Batting first: 25%
  
• Win % Bowling first: 75%
  

Weather Forecast

• Temperature: approximately 19°C (light and cloudy)
  
• Precipitation: 23%—less chance of rain
  
• Humidity: 64%—moderate
  
• Winds: Gentle breeze—hardly any impact on play
  

The forecast shows a weak chance of rain (23%), and there is no potential for interrupted play or a reduced fixture. While cloud cover and humidity may provide assistance to the bowlers, there would need to be a concern in the early stages of an innings.

Pitch Report 

The Headingley, Leeds, United Kingdom, pitch is considered to give a fair contest between bat and ball, though with some rain predicted, the balance may slightly favor the bowlers. 

• Pace bowlers could get some swing and bounce in the early overs.
  
• Batters must be careful before initiating their stroke play.
  
• Spinners may come into play in the latter overs as the pitch could slow, especially if the surface is damp from the rain.
  
• Field Dimensions: Medium-sized boundaries provide an even challenge to both departments.
  

See Also: WCL 2025 live streaming details: Where and how to watch South Africa Champions vs Australia Champions match 12

Venue Records

• Highest Team Score: 207/6 by AUSCH vs INDCH
  
• Lowest Team Score: 83/3 by YORKS vs DBS
  
• Average 1st Innings Score: 161

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is here! Amazing cricketing action and legendary players from all over the globe will take to the field in epic contests. This tournament features friendship, nostalgia, intense rivalries, and our favorite personalities making their long-awaited returns! If you are watching at home or streaming on the go, here is your complete guide on how to watch WCL 2025 live from anywhere!

Match Details – WCL 2025

• Match: South Africa Champions vs Australia Champions
• Date: July 27, 2025
• Time: 05:00 PM IST 
• Venue: Headingley, Leeds, United Kingdom
• Tournament: World Championship of Legends 2025 – Match 12

Live Streaming Details

• India: FanCode app 
• Pakistan: A sports
• United Kingdom: TNT Sports
• USA & Canada: Willow TV
• Australia: Foxtel / Kayo Sports
• South Africa: SuperSport
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ

See Also: WCL 2025 match 12 weather and pitch report: South Africa Champions vs Australia Champions

SAC vs. AUSC Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Champions Probable Playing XIs

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

Australia Champions Probable Playing XIs

Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, Ben Dunk (wk), Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Daniel Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Steve O’Keefe, Brett Lee (c), Peter Siddle.

Since PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the Asia Cup 2025 schedule on Kargil Vijay Diwas in India, different views have emerged regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) granting permission for the event, despite the current situation with Pakistan. 

A few weeks ago, many players from India's champions, including Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Harbhajan Singh, pulled themselves out of the clash against Pakistan's champions during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 tournament due to the crease fire. On the sideline, one of the journalists asked Dhawan whether he would face the Green Brigade if they met in the semifinal.

See Also: ‘Coach and captain…’- India’s batting coach breaks silence on dropping Karun Nair in ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

‘See, bro, you are asking the question at the wrong position. Now, because you are asking, it feels shameless for me to say it again. But I won’t say much. You shouldn’t ask the question. If I didn’t play in the past, then I will not play in the future either.’ The former left-handed opening batter expressed, as the video suggested.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan got angry over question of facing Pakistan in potential WCL 2025 semifinal

It has been revealed that the Asia Cup 2025 will be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the T20 format, keeping an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. Eight teams will participate in the event, along with the five top ACC members and the UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman. The mouth-watering India vs Pakistan clash will take place on September 14.

Shikhar Dhawan angry reply on If Pakistan reaches the semi-final against you… will you still play, or ask for a day off? 😄🇵🇰🇮🇳 #WCL25 pic.twitter.com/d96yRQpsp2

— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) July 26, 2025

At Leeds, India champions, who lost their first game against South Africa, batted first to put 203/4 on the board. Dhawan remained unbeaten on 91 runs in 60 balls, thanks to 12 boundaries and one six, while Yusuf Pathan drilled 52 runs in 23 balls, shouldering three fours and four sixes.

In reply, Australia didn’t start well, but their lower order hung around. Callum Ferguson’s undefeated knock of 70 runs in 38 balls and a few pinch-hitting knocks of 15 runs carried them over the line with four wickets in hand. India’s next game will be against England on Jul 27 at Headingley.

In Match 11 of the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL) at Headingley, Leeds, Pakistan Champions delivered a commanding display to defeat West Indies Champions by 49 runs. batting first, Pakistan put up a total of 200/4 on the board, a blistering knock of 113 from 62 balls by Kamran Akmal. Mohammad Hafeez added 23 of 18 balls, while Asif Ali (10 of 10) and Shoaib Malik (10 of 4) made late cameos to provide a massive finish. West Indies bowlers found it difficult to keep the runs in check, with Kieron Pollard (1/14), Ashley Nurse (1/21), and Dave Mohammed (1/29) among the wicket-takers.

In reply, the West Indies Champions never found the momentum to match the required rate. Chadwick Walton top-scored with 42 off 30 balls, while Dwayne Bravo and William Perkins scored 30 each. However, Pakistan’s bowlers were on point, with Rumman Raees producing an outstanding spell of 3/4 in 3 overs. Aamer Yamin (2/23) and Sohail Tanvir (2/24) also kept things tight. With this result, Pakistan jumped to third on the points table with 5 points and a net run rate of +0.900, while West Indies remained on 2 points with an NRR of -2.418.

WCL 2025 Points Table (After Match 11):

See Also: WCL 2025, Match 10: India Champions vs Australia Champions full match highlights

Top Performers – WCL 2025

Most Runs:

• AB de Villiers (SACH) – 182 runs, Avg 182.00, SR 214.12
• Chadwick Walton (WICH) – 152 runs, Avg 50.67, SR 149.02
• Kamran Akmal (PAKCH) – 138 runs, Avg 46.00, SR 162.35
• Chris Lynn (AUSCH) – 106 runs, Avg 53.00, SR 286.49
• Phil Mustard (ENGCH) – 101 runs, Avg 33.67, SR 117.44

Most Wickets:

• Fidel Edwards (WICH) – 6 wickets, Econ 6.40
• Piyush Chawla (INDCH) – 5 wickets, Econ 8.38
• Rumman Raees (PAKCH) – 5 wickets, Econ 3.89
• Aaron Phangiso (SACH) – 5 wickets, Econ 5.44
• Sohail Tanvir (PAKCH) – 5 wickets, Econ 7.80