PCB announces blanket ban after WCL fallout
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a controversial blanket ban preventing teams from using the country’s name in unofficial tournaments like the World Championship of Legends (WCL) — a move that has ignited a fierce backlash from the owner of the Pakistan Champions, Kamil Khan.
The ban came after India Champions refused to play two scheduled matches — including a high-stakes semi-final — against the Pakistan Champions, citing political tensions. While Pakistan advanced to the final via a walkover, they once again finished runners-up after losing to the South Africa Champions by nine wickets, marking their second consecutive defeat in a WCL final.
But the cricketing outcome has been overshadowed by the PCB’s aggressive stance — and Kamil Khan’s equally firm response.
Kamil Khan hits back: ‘Pakistan is our pride’
Speaking to the media in Birmingham after the WCL concluded, Kamil Khan made it clear that the team would not bow to pressure or rebrand under a different name.
“This is our own team. I own it. It’s a private league, and I am the owner. PCB does not own the team. There are so many private leagues around the world; no one can stop us from naming our team after our country. Pakistan is our pride.”
Khan rejected reports that the team would fold or be renamed in response to the PCB’s decision.
“We’ve seen reports that Pakistan Champions won’t be back, but I don’t know where that’s come from. If it’s from the PCB, then I’m not sure why.”
Strong campaign, unfortunate ending — but no regrets
Despite the heartbreak of another WCL final loss, Khan was proud of the team’s performance throughout the tournament.
“Just like the first season, Pakistan Champions performed really well in the second season too.”
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t win the final, which we really wanted to, and millions of Pakistanis were hoping for it as well.”
“But the team played well throughout. One bad day doesn’t make a team bad. Losing one final doesn’t mean the Pakistan Champions is over.”
Kamil Khan: PCB approved everything, including NOCs
Khan also stressed that his team had operated within all official guidelines and had received full approval from the PCB for player participation.
“We took NOCs from the PCB for all the players.”
In fact, Khan said that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had personally shown support for the Pakistan Champions ahead of the tournament.
“In fact, we also met with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was supportive and helpful. I’m thankful to him for backing Pakistan Champions.”
However, the communication ended there, according to Khan.
“There was no contact from the PCB before or after the tournament.”
‘This is our national identity’ — not official branding
Khan also dismissed any claims that the team’s name misused national branding or suggested official PCB affiliation.
“This is our national identity. We named the team accordingly. We didn’t use PCB’s logo or any of their branding, only their players, and that too after securing official clearance.”
What’s next for Pakistan Champions?
With the PCB doubling down on its ban and no sign of compromise yet, the future of Pakistan Champions in the WCL remains uncertain — especially if PCB-contracted players are restricted from participation going forward.
But for now, Kamil Khan isn’t backing down. And as the WCL tries to position itself as a global legends tournament, the battle over identity, ownership, and national representation is clearly just beginning.
