In a bold move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a complete ban on its players’ participation in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). The decision stems from what the board described as “skewed politics, hypocrisy, and external influence” that have undermined the spirit of cricket. This WCL controversy erupted after the organizers abruptly canceled the Pakistan-India match, citing discomfort within the Indian camp.
Politics Over Sportsmanship
The PCB voiced its strong objections during a Board of Governors (BoG) meeting chaired by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The board issued a detailed press release criticizing WCL’s conduct, particularly the decision to award points to a team that had deliberately forfeited a match.
“The integrity of sports must not be held hostage to political convenience or commercial motives,” the PCB emphasized. It condemned the WCL’s action as a blatant violation of fair play and neutrality—key values that cricket has upheld for generations.
Cancellation Sparks Outrage
The controversy gained momentum when WCL called off the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash. The tournament organizers claimed the decision was taken to avoid discomfort among Indian players and to address “hurt sentiments.” However, the PCB interpreted the move as an act of discrimination masked as sensitivity.
“The narrative of ‘peace through sport’ was selectively applied,” the PCB stated. “This sets a dangerous precedent where external pressures override sporting merit.”
Read: De Villiers Destroys Pakistan Champions in WCL Final
Unacceptable Double Standards
According to the PCB, the WCL’s press releases revealed a glaring bias. They claimed the language used to justify the cancellation showed favoritism and failed to uphold the principles of neutrality. The board dismissed WCL’s public apology as “farcical,” arguing that it indirectly admitted the cancellation was politically motivated.
“This hypocrisy sends the wrong message to the global sports community,” the PCB said. “The tournament allowed political narratives to replace sporting logic.”
Call for Separation of Sport and Politics
Throughout its statement, the PCB emphasized its long-standing stance that sports should remain separate from politics. Cricket, it stressed, should serve as a tool for fostering goodwill, mutual respect, and healthy competition—especially in tournaments involving legendary players.
“To let political sensitivities control sporting events is deeply troubling,” the board noted. “Independent tournaments must protect the values that make sports universally respected.”
Pakistan Withdraws with Strong Message
Given the recent developments, the PCB declared that it had no choice but to withdraw completely from the WCL. The board said it could not support an event where fair play and impartial governance were compromised by nationalistic agendas.
“We cannot permit our players to be part of tournaments that compromise the gentleman’s game,” the PCB stated. “The WCL controversy has crossed all acceptable boundaries of sportsmanship.”
Tournament Ends, But Fallout Continues
The WCL 2025 ended on Saturday, with South Africa lifting the trophy. Pakistan finished as runners-up despite the canceled match. The PCB’s firm stance, however, overshadowed the tournament’s conclusion, drawing international attention to the politicization of sports.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to global cricket development and the promotion of fair competition. It urged international organizers to uphold the sanctity of sports and resist political pressure.
Future of Independent Tournaments in Question
This incident raises broader concerns about the future of privately-run international sporting events. The PCB’s withdrawal serves as a warning to organizers who may compromise neutrality for commercial or political gain. As sports increasingly intersect with geopolitics, maintaining impartiality and fairness will be crucial for preserving global credibility.
The WCL controversy has not just altered one match—it has sparked a deeper conversation on the role of politics in sport.
The PCB’s decision reflects growing concerns among cricket boards worldwide about preserving the sport’s integrity. It also signals that future participation will depend on transparency, neutrality, and consistent governance standards
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates