Pakistan Champions Withdraw from WCL After PCB Refuses NOCs

Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to issue No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the team’s participation in the tournament.

The decision brings an end to a prolonged standoff between the PCB and the WCL organisers. The Pakistan board had previously taken a firm stance against participation in the tournament, accusing the competition of “hypocrisy and bias” and alleging that it had mixed politics with sport.

In a statement last year, the PCB had announced a “blanket ban” on Pakistan’s participation in the WCL and made it clear that it would not condone future involvement in the competition.

Despite the WCL organisers’ efforts to obtain the necessary NOCs, the PCB maintained its position. Pakistan Champions, who finished runners-up to South Africa in last year’s tournament, were consequently forced to withdraw from this year’s edition.

“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.

The team’s owner, Kamil Khan, had formally requested the PCB to reconsider its decision and remained in discussions with the board regarding participation. However, the talks failed to produce a resolution.

“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,” the statement added.

The WCL began on October 3 with a match between India and Australia. Pakistan’s opening fixture against Bangladesh was postponed as organisers attempted to reach an agreement with the PCB.

The organisers were reportedly willing to reschedule Pakistan’s matches while discussions over the NOCs continued. However, with Pakistan scheduled to face Australia on Monday, it became increasingly clear that a resolution would not be reached in time.

The Pakistan Champions squad was set to feature several former Pakistan stars, with Shahid Afridi expected to lead the side. Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz were among the other prominent names in the squad.

PCB's Dispute with WCL

The PCB’s opposition to the WCL intensified after India withdrew from two matches against Pakistan during last year’s tournament, including the semi-final.

Pakistan were awarded a walkover in the semi-final, but the PCB was particularly unhappy after India’s withdrawal from a group-stage match resulted in India being awarded a point.

The PCB described the decision as “an unacceptable message to the international sporting community” and subsequently took a strong stance against the tournament.

Despite attempts by the WCL organisers to resolve the issue and facilitate Pakistan’s participation this year, the PCB ultimately stood by its earlier decision.

As a result, Pakistan Champions will not take part in this year’s WCL, ending their campaign before they could take the field.