In a bold move, EaseMyTrip, one of India’s leading travel-tech platforms, has announced it will not be associated with any India-Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). The decision comes despite a five-year sponsorship agreement signed with WCL two years ago. The company’s co-founder, Nishant Pitti, made the announcement on X, citing the incompatibility of terror and cricket.
Nishant Pitti’s post was clear and resolute. “India vs Pakistan WCL Semi-Final. We applaud Team India for their outstanding performance. However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game. Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand,” he wrote. His message underscored the company’s stance against normalizing relations with a country it accuses of promoting terrorism.
The travel-tech giant didn’t mince words. “EaseMyTrip stands with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalize relations with a country that promotes terrorism. The people of India have spoken, and we hear them,” Pitti added. The post concluded with a firm declaration: “Nation first, business later. Always. Jai Hind.”
EaseMyTrip later released an official statement reiterating its position. While it continues to sponsor the WCL and support the India Champions, it will not engage in any fixtures involving Pakistan. The company emphasized that this stance was communicated to WCL from the outset. “Some things are bigger than sport,” the statement read, reinforcing its commitment to putting national sentiment above commercial interests.
The controversy didn’t stop there. Following public outrage, reports emerged that two to three Indian players had pulled out of the tournament’s India-Pakistan fixture. The WCL organizers subsequently called off the match, acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation. In a statement, WCL apologized for inadvertently hurting sentiments and causing discomfort to Indian legends. The tournament had initially scheduled the match hoping to create positive memories for fans, mirroring a recent volleyball encounter between the two nations.
EaseMyTrip’s decision has sparked discussions on the intersection of sports, politics, and business. While some applaud the company’s patriotism, others question whether sports should remain a neutral ground for fostering goodwill. The incident highlights the delicate balance brands must strike in emotionally charged environments.
As the WCL moves forward without the high-profile clash, the focus now shifts to the remaining matches. EaseMyTrip remains a sponsor but with clear boundaries. The message is simple: cricket may unite, but not at the cost of compromising national values.
Meanwhile, fans and analysts are left to ponder the broader implications. In a world where sports often transcend borders, this episode serves as a reminder of the deep-seated tensions that sometimes override the spirit of the game.