Pakistan Champions Withdraw From WCL Season 3
Pakistan Champions on Monday withdrew 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.
The team had been in talks with the PCB over its participation, with owner Kamil Khan also requesting the board to reconsider its decision. However, the dispute remained unresolved.
“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.
“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.”
PCB-WCL Dispute Behind Withdrawal
The withdrawal comes against the backdrop of a dispute between the PCB and WCL organisers stemming from last year’s tournament.
India Champions had declined to play their scheduled matches against Pakistan Champions during the previous edition amid political tensions. The PCB subsequently criticised the organisers and imposed restrictions on its players’ participation in the league.
According to reports, the PCB had agreed to issue NOCs subject to certain conditions, including a written apology from Indian players over their decision not to play Pakistan last year and an assurance regarding handshakes between the two teams.
The WCL organisers reportedly accepted some of the PCB’s conditions but did not agree to the demands concerning an apology and handshakes. The disagreement ultimately resulted in Pakistan Champions’ withdrawal.
The development also means the scheduled India-Pakistan match on October 10 will not take place.
Pakistan Champions Were Two-Time Runners-Up
Pakistan Champions had finished runners-up in both previous editions of the WCL.
They lost to India Champions in the final of the inaugural 2024 edition before suffering another defeat in the 2025 final against South Africa Champions.
The WCL confirmed the withdrawal on Monday and said the tournament would continue with six teams.
“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,” the tournament said.
