The Pakistan Cricket Board has pulled its former internationals out of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), issuing what it calls a “blanket ban” on any future involvement. The decision was confirmed at the board’s 79th governors’ meeting, held online under chair Mohsin Naqvi.
Key facts first. India Champions twice refused to play Pakistan Champions in the recent WCL, once in the group stage and again in the semi-final, citing ongoing political tensions. The walk-offs cost the tournament two of its most-watched fixtures and, in the PCB’s view, exposed “biased” administration. Points from the abandoned group match were shared; Pakistan advanced but lost a broadcast slot and, eventually, the title chance that comes with a semi-final victory on the field.
“The cancellation was not based on cricketing merit but on appeasing a specific nationalistic narrative,” the PCB said. “This sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.”
A second line followed quickly: “However, we cannot allow our players to be part of events where the spirit of the game is overshadowed by skewed politics that undermines the very essence of sportsmanship and the gentleman’s game.”
Organisers did apologise for “hurting sentiments”, a phrase that, to Pakistan’s board, only sharpened the grievance. “The WCL’s apology for ‘hurting the sentiments’, whilst being farcical, inadvertently acknowledges that the cancellation was not based on cricketing merit, but rather on succumbing to a specific nationalistic narrative,” the PCB continued. “This bias, masquerading as sensitivity, sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.”
A tournament official, requesting anonymity, argued that safety and diplomatic advice left the WCL little choice. Yet the PCB stresses the impact on trust. Former captain Mohammad Hafeez, who led Pakistan Champions, admitted players felt “deflated” but saved stronger words for private discussion.
Analytically, the ban matters less for immediate match quality—retired stars move in and out of such leagues—than for precedent. Diplomatically charged withdrawals are nothing new, but a national board’s public, permanent pull-out from a commercial veterans’ event is unusual. If others follow, the Legends brand may struggle to attract sponsor money or even secure neutral venues.
For now, the PCB says the door is shut. Whether an independent mediator, or a revised tournament charter, can unlock it before the next edition remains the real-game question.
