Irfan Pathan, Raina, Harbhajan react after beating Pakistan in WCL 2024 final

The India Champions triumphed in the World Championship of Legends 2024 (WCL 2024) final, defeating the Pakistan Champions by five wickets in Birmingham on July 13, securing the title in the tournament's inaugural edition.

After the match, Irfan Pathan praised Ambati Rayudu for his exceptional batting performance, scoring 50 runs off 30 balls, which played a crucial role in the team's victory. The former all-rounder also commended the India Champions' bowling unit for their remarkable effort in restricting the Pakistan Champions to 156/6.

“Well, look, for today, you have to say that Ambati Rayudu, the way he played, was outstanding, and the way we bowled was outstanding as well. The way Senior Pathan hit those crucial runs was very important. So yes, you know, when you're playing cricket, being a cricketer as a part-time cricketer, right, when you play that role, it's tough,” Irfan Pathan said.

And because, you know, some of the players are from Australia, some are from Pakistan, some play PSL, and some play BBL. So, when you have to compete against them, it's slightly tough. But, you know, credit goes to Yuvraj Singh as well, because Yuvraj assembled a team, and when he spoke to me, when he spoke to Bhai, when he spoke to each and every player, he told each and every one what exactly needed to be done. And he said, I don't want your bowling; I want you to hit sixes, and this is your job, but today, give me three overs,” he added.

Yusuf Pathan reflected on the victory, saying, "It feels good but was challenging. We played well in the knockouts, especially against South Africa. Seeing such a supportive crowd was a great feeling."

Former India batter Suresh Raina expressed his joy after winning the WCL 2024 title at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

"It's been amazing. Special credit to the organization. I think playing in the UK has always been special for us. We won the Champions Trophy 2013 on this ground. Again we've won it (WCL) today," Raina said.

He also praised the captaincy of Yuvraj Singh and the contributions of the Pathan brothers and Harbhajan Singh.

"I think he (Gurkeerat Mann) played really well. Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) led the team really well. Pathan brothers have been amazing. Look at Harbhajan Singh. At the age of 39-40 (44 years), he is bowling really well," Raina mentioned.

"Special mentions to the crowd. They've been coming here every time whenever we played against Pakistan. Pakistan played really well. At the same time, Australia, the West Indies also played well. As you said, today is the day when we won the Champions Trophy and God has been really kind to us," he added.

The victory was especially emotional for Harbhajan Singh, who was seen in tears as he hugged Irfan Pathan after the winning runs were hit. Celebrating the win, Harbhajan said, "Winning the Championship and defeating Pakistan means a lot. Chak de India."