Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the 2026 edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to issue NOCs to the players. The decision is in line with PCB’s statement during last year’s WCL edition, when the board issued a ‘blanket ban’ after accusing the tournament of mixing sports with politics.
PCB refuses to reconsider NOCs
This statement was released by the PCB after India Champions forfeited two games, including the semi-final, against Pakistan Champions. Following the forfeiture, India and Pakistan were awarded one point each, which earned the board’s ire.
“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 Pakistan Champions side said in a statement to Cricinfo.
Pakistan Champions in WCL
WCL began on October 3, with a game between India and Australia. Pakistan were supposed to play their first game against Bangladesh, which was postponed as the organisers tried to convince the PCB to reconsider its decision.
“Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had formally requested the PCB to reconsider its decision and remained engaged in discussions regarding the team’s participation. 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 the runner-up in the last season as they lost the final heavily against South Africa. The squad would have been led by Shahid Afridi this season, with Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, among others among the squad.
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