Pakistan Champions pull out of World Championship of Legends after 2025 fallout
Pakistan Champions have pulled out of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 3 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) upheld its decision to deny No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the team's players. The withdrawal brings an end to weeks of uncertainty over Pakistan's participation in the tournament, with the team unable to field its players despite efforts to resolve the issue.
As per Geo Super, Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had formally requested the PCB to reconsider its decision and remained engaged in discussions over the team's participation. However, the board maintained its position, preventing Pakistan's former stars from representing the side in the ongoing competition. According to reports, the PCB had also sought conditions linked to last year's controversy, which the WCL management did not accept.
"Pakistan Champions regret to confirm that the team will not be able to participate in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL), following the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to uphold its refusal to issue the required NOC," the team said in a statement.
"We respect PCB's authority and its decision, while naturally being disappointed that our players will not have the opportunity to represent Pakistan Champions at this global gathering of cricketing legends.
"We sincerely thank our players, supporters and fans for their patience, understanding and continued support."
Pakistan were scheduled to face Bangladesh Champions in their opening match on October 3, but the fixture was postponed due to βtechnical reasonsβ. Their match against Australia Champions, scheduled for October 6, was also cancelled. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pakistan Champions (@wclpakistanchampions)WHAT HAPPENED IN WCL 2025?
The dispute dates back to the previous edition of the WCL in July-August 2025, when India Champions refused to play Pakistan Champions in their scheduled group-stage fixture amid heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan. The match was cancelled, with both teams awarded a point.
The controversy returned in the semi-finals. India Champions again declined to take the field against Pakistan, resulting in the semi-final being called off and Pakistan advancing directly to the final. The decision came amid tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's wider stance on sporting engagements with Pakistan.
The PCB reacted strongly to the events. At its board meeting in August 2025, it announced a blanket ban on Pakistan's future participation in the WCL, accusing the organisers of bias, hypocrisy and political interference. The board particularly objected to the handling of the forfeited matches and what it described as double standards.
Pakistan Champions eventually reached the 2025 final after India's semi-final withdrawal but lost to South Africa Champions by nine wickets.
That fallout continued to hang over the 2026 edition. Despite efforts from the Pakistan Champions management to secure the necessary clearance, the PCB's position remained unchanged, leaving the team without several of its former international stars.
The absence is a major blow to the tournament, with Pakistan Champions featuring some of the country's most recognisable former players, including captain Shahid Afridi. The team was also absent from the trophy unveiling ceremony ahead of the tournament.- Ends
