Former India batter Suresh Raina has sparked debate after claiming that the India Champions side would have defeated Pakistan Champions had they not forfeited their matches during the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL).
Raina, part of the India Champions squad, posted on social media following South Africa’s title win over Pakistan, praising AB de Villiers for his match-winning century in the final, and making a bold claim about India’s chances.
“What a knock by AB de Villiers in the final, absolutely smashed it. Had we played, we would’ve crushed them too, but we chose our nation above everything else,” Raina wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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
India forfeited their matches against Pakistan not once, but twice during the tournament, which ultimately cost them a place in the final. Pakistan, having gone unbeaten in the group stage, advanced to face South Africa, who then clinched the title thanks to de Villiers’ brilliant hundred.
Raina’s statement raised eyebrows, as the India Champions had a mixed campaign, losing three matches against England, Australia, and South Africa, with their only win coming against West Indies. In contrast, Pakistan won every match leading up to the final.
The nature of the forfeitures has not been officially detailed, but Raina’s reference to “choosing the nation” suggests political or diplomatic reasons behind the decision not to take the field against Pakistan.