Pakistan Champions have pulled out of the World Championship of Legends after the Pakistan Cricket Board declined to issue the No-Objection Certificates required for the former international stars to take part in the tournament.
Pakistan Champions will not participate in this year’s World Championship of Legends (WCL) after the PCB maintained its decision to deny NOCs to the team.
The development brings an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the tournament. The WCL had been attempting to find a solution that would allow the Pakistan side to compete, but no agreement could be reached with the PCB.
The Pakistan board had previously taken a strong stance against the competition, accusing the organisers of showing “hypocrisy and bias” and of bringing political considerations into sport.
Last year, the PCB announced that it would no longer permit Pakistani players to participate in the WCL, describing its decision as a “blanket ban” on future involvement in the tournament.
Pakistan Champions Confirm Withdrawal
Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had approached the PCB in an effort to have the decision reconsidered and had remained in discussions with the board over the team’s participation.
However, the required NOCs were ultimately not granted.
In a statement, Pakistan Champions expressed disappointment but said it respected the PCB’s authority.
The team said the decision meant its players would miss the opportunity to represent Pakistan Champions at an international gathering of former cricket stars, while thanking the squad, supporters and fans for their patience and continued backing.
WCL Games Postponed Amid NOC Dispute
The WCL began on October 3 with a match between India and Australia, but Pakistan’s scheduled encounter against Bangladesh was postponed as organisers continued efforts to resolve the dispute.
The tournament organisers had reportedly been prepared to adjust Pakistan’s schedule while negotiations over the NOCs continued.
However, with Pakistan’s next fixture against Australia approaching on Monday, it became increasingly clear that there would be no breakthrough in time for the team to enter the competition.
Pakistan had finished runners-up to South Africa in last year’s WCL, making their absence a significant setback for both the team and the tournament.
Star-Studded Pakistan Squad Set to Miss WCL
The Pakistan Champions squad included several well-known former Pakistan internationals.
The team was expected to be led by former captain Shahid Afridi, with experienced names including Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz also part of the squad.
Their withdrawal means the WCL will go ahead without one of its most prominent teams.
Why Did PCB Ban Pakistan From WCL?
The dispute dates back to last year’s tournament, when India withdrew from two matches involving Pakistan.
One of those withdrawals came in the semi-final, resulting in Pakistan advancing via a walkover. The PCB’s bigger concern, however, was an earlier group-stage fixture in which India withdrew but was still awarded a point.
The PCB strongly criticised that decision, arguing that it sent an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.
The board subsequently announced that it would not support Pakistani participation in future editions of the WCL.
Despite attempts by the organisers and Pakistan Champions to reopen discussions, the PCB ultimately maintained its position, leaving the Pakistan side with no option but to withdraw.
