Pakistan Champions Withdraw From WCL After PCB Refuses NOCs

Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) after the Pakistan Cricket Board refused to issue the required No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). The team was due to play Bangladesh after the tournament began on October 3.

Pakistan Champions confirmed the withdrawal after the PCB maintained its decision not to allow the former Pakistan players to participate in this year’s tournament.

The PCB had announced a blanket ban on Pakistan’s participation in the WCL last year after India withdrew from two matches against Pakistan during the tournament. The board accused the competition of mixing politics with sport and described the treatment of Pakistan as unfair.

WCL Could Not Resolve NOC Dispute

Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had asked the PCB to reconsider its decision and remained in discussions with the board over the team’s participation.

The team said it respected the PCB’s authority but expressed disappointment that its players would not be able to compete in the tournament.

The WCL began on October 3 with India facing Australia. Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh was postponed as organizers attempted to resolve the dispute with the PCB.

The organizers were prepared to reschedule Pakistan’s matches while discussions over the NOCs continued. However, with Pakistan scheduled to face Australia on Monday, an agreement could not be reached.

Shahid Afridi Was Set to Lead Pakistan Champions

The Pakistan Champions squad included former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, along with Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz.

Pakistan finished runners-up to South Africa in last year’s WCL.

The PCB’s decision followed its reaction to India’s withdrawals from two matches in the previous tournament, including the semifinal. Pakistan received a walkover in the semifinal. India also received a point after withdrawing from a group-stage match against Pakistan.

The PCB had criticized that decision and said it sent an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.