File Pic: Shahid Afridi and Yuvraj Singh during WCL Season 1.
Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 3 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to issue the required No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding their participation.The withdrawal comes amid a standoff over conditions reportedly put forward by the PCB in connection with last year’s controversial India-Pakistan fixtures.As per a PTI report, the board wanted assurances that Indian players would apologise for refusing to play against Pakistan in the 2025 edition and would be willing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The WCL management rejected those demands, leaving the NOC issue unresolved.
PCB-WCL standoff ends Pakistan’s campaign
Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had been in discussions with the PCB and had requested the board to reconsider its decision. However, the board ultimately maintained its refusal to issue the NOCs.“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 in a statement on Monday.“We respect PCB’s authority and its decision, while naturally being disappointed that our players will not have the opportunity to represent Pakistan Champions at this global gathering of cricketing legends. We sincerely thank our players, supporters and fans for their patience, understanding and continued support,” it added.According to reports, the PCB had agreed to issue the NOCs subject to certain conditions. These included a written apology from Indian players over their decision to not play Pakistan last season and an assurance regarding handshakes between the two sides. The WCL reportedly accepted the commercial conditions put forward by the PCB but rejected the demands relating to the apology and handshake.
India vs Pakistan match called off
The dispute goes back to the 2025 WCL, when India Champions declined to play their scheduled matches against Pakistan Champions amid heightened political tensions. The group-stage match was cancelled, while India again refused to take the field against Pakistan in the semifinal, allowing Pakistan to advance to the final.The PCB subsequently imposed restrictions on the participation of its players in the WCL.The fallout has now also led to the cancellation of the scheduled India-Pakistan clash on October 10 in Season 3. The WCL confirmed that Pakistan Champions would not participate, saying: “Official Update: Pakistan Champions will not be participating in WCL Season 3 due to unforeseen circumstances. WCL Season 3 continues with six teams. The game is still on. The legends continue.”Pakistan Champions had finished runners-up in both previous editions, losing to India Champions in the inaugural 2024 final and South Africa Champions in the 2025 final.
