Some things are bigger than sport: Indian sponsor pulls out of WCL clash against Pakistan
New Delhi: Online travel company EaseMyTrip has pulled out of sponsoring the high-stakes India-Pakistan semi-final clash in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, citing national sentiment and ongoing political tensions.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday morning, EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti stated on X that the company believes “terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand,” distancing itself from any event that, in its view, attempts to “normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism.”
“We applaud Team India 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. At EaseMyTrip, we stand with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism,” he wrote.
He added: “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.”
The WCL organisers have not yet issued an official statement on whether the semi-final will proceed as scheduled. The second semi-final of the tournament will feature South Africa taking on Australia.
India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final
— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) July 30, 2025
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…
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V.D. Satheesan elected as new Chief Minister of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Celebrations erupted across Kerala on Thursday after V D Satheesan was selected by the Congress High Command as the next Chief Minister of the state.
Satheesan was at the Contonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when AICC leaders announced it in New Delhi.
Soon after the announcement, jubilant Satheesan supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets in several parts of the state.
Paravur in Ernakulam district, the Assembly constituency he has represented since 2001, witnessed large-scale celebrations.
Satheesan was widely seen as the frontrunner for the post, with UDF allies also backing his candidature during the selection process.
As the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, he led the UDF both inside and outside the House.
Apart from Satheesan, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP K C Venugopal were also considered for the post.
