India-Pakistan Showdown Cancelled: Tensions Halt Legends Cricket Clash

Amid rising political tensions, India has decided to pull out of a semi-final match against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends, a tournament for retired cricket players. The announcement came from the organisers on Wednesday, raising eyebrows in the sports community.

The scheduled match, sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board, was to take place in Birmingham on Thursday. It follows the cancellation of an earlier group stage game between the two nations, which are both nuclear powers.

With India stepping back, Pakistan will automatically advance to the final. Refunds will be issued to ticket holders. The two teams have not competed in a bilateral series since 2013 but are set to meet in the Asia Cup on September 14.

(With inputs from agencies.)