Pakistan has officially withdrawn from the third season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), ending the team’s participation in the tournament. The decision followed a disagreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the WCL management over conditions linked to the team’s No Objection Certificate (NoC).
The PCB had agreed to issue the NoC for the Pakistan Champions team, but wanted the Indian players to submit a written apology for refusing to play against Pakistan during last year’s tournament. The board also sought an understanding that the two teams would shake hands this time. The WCL organisers accepted the commercial terms but rejected the demands relating to the apology and handshake.
Last year, India declined to play Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The group-stage fixture was cancelled, and India maintained its position before the semi-final as well. Pakistan advanced to the final through a walkover but lost the title match to South Africa. Players from the two teams also did not exchange handshakes.
Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh had earlier been postponed for “technical reasons” while the NoC issue remained unresolved. The team was also scheduled to play Australia on Monday, but that fixture was cancelled. The previously announced WCL schedule had listed an India-Pakistan match for October 10, which will now not take place.
Shahid Afridi absent from opening fixture
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was expected to lead the Pakistan Champions in the tournament’s third edition. However, he was not in the UAE for the planned opening match against Bangladesh, which was subsequently postponed.
The Pakistan Champions had finished runners-up in both earlier editions of the WCL. Following the withdrawal, the team will no longer have an opportunity to compete for the title in 2026.
The team’s official statement did not refer to the demands involving the Indian players. Instead, it said the withdrawal followed the PCB’s decision to maintain its refusal to issue the required NoC.
“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 on Monday.
It added that the team respected the PCB’s authority and decision, while expressing disappointment that its players would not be able to represent Pakistan Champions at the international gathering of cricketing legends. The team also thanked its players, supporters and fans for their patience, understanding and continued support.
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