PCB issues blanket ban on World Championship of Legends participation
Lahore, 3 August 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a blanket ban on future participation in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), citing “hypocrisy” and a breach of sporting neutrality following the controversial cancellation of the India vs. Pakistan legends match.
The decision was taken during the PCB’s 79th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting, chaired virtually by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The Board expressed “considerable disappointment” at the WCL’s decision to award points to a forfeiting team and criticized the tone and content of the WCL’s press releases.
PCB accuses WCL of bias and dual standards
The PCB said the WCL’s communication revealed a “duality” where the concept of “peace through sport” was applied selectively, and tournaments were manipulated by “narrow commercial interests” and “political expediency.”
“The contents of the said press releases highlight a duality,” the PCB stated, “where the narrative of peace is selectively applied and events are held hostage to political and commercial agendas.”
Cricket must remain separate from politics, says PCB
The PCB reiterated its long-standing position that cricket must remain apolitical, advocating for the separation of sports and politics globally. “Our unwavering belief is that cricket should serve as a platform for goodwill, healthy competition, and mutual respect,” the board emphasized.
The statement took specific issue with WCL’s apology for “hurting sentiments,” calling it “farcical” and an indirect admission that the cancellation was politically motivated. The PCB said such actions send an “unacceptable message” to the global sporting community.
Firm stance to uphold sporting neutrality
Calling the WCL’s actions a breach of sporting neutrality, the PCB stated it could no longer participate in events compromised by “external pressures.”
“We cannot allow our players to be part of events where the spirit of the game is overshadowed by skewed politics that undermines sportsmanship,” the board added.
BoG meeting attendees
The virtual meeting was attended by Sumair Ahmed Syed, Salman Naseer, Zaheer Abbas, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Zafarullah Jadgal, Tanveer Ahmed, Tariq Sarwar, Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Anwaar Ahmad Khan, Adnan Malik, Usman Wahla (special invitee), and Mir Hassan Naqvi (Additional Secretary).
The PCB affirmed its commitment to promoting cricket globally while protecting the core values of the game.
