PCB Imposes Blanket Ban on World Championship of Legends Over India Forfeits
"This bias, masquerading as sensitivity, undermines the spirit of the game," the statement said.
ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a blanket ban on future participation in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), citing “biased conduct” by the tournament organisers and the politicisation of the event.
The decision comes after the India Champions team forfeited two matches — including a highly anticipated semi-final against Pakistan Champions — due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries. The forfeits also included a group-stage match in which points were shared, a move the PCB labelled as “hypocritical and biased.”
In a strongly worded statement following its 79th Board of Governors meeting, chaired virtually by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the board said:
“The cancellation was not based on cricketing merit but on appeasing a specific nationalistic narrative. This sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.”
The PCB accused WCL organisers of using the “peace through sport” slogan selectively while allowing political and commercial interests to dictate the tournament’s direction.
Though the WCL later issued an apology for “hurting sentiments” over the withdrawals, the PCB dismissed it as “farcical” and insufficient.
“This bias, masquerading as sensitivity, undermines the spirit of the game,” the statement said.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to international cricket and healthy sporting rivalries, but made it clear that Pakistani players would no longer take part in events that compromise the integrity of the sport.
“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,” the PCB added.
The decision is expected to have significant implications for future editions of the WCL, especially given the popularity and competitive strength of the Pakistan Champions squad.
Read more: Zone-II Crushes Zone-I by 10 Wickets in PCB Inter-District Clash
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.