PCB’s New Directive Following WCL Controversy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant policy change regarding the use of the country’s name in private cricket leagues. This decision comes in the wake of a controversy during the World Championships of Legends (WCL) 2025, where Indian players refused to compete against a team named ‘Pakistan Champions’. The incident, which took place during the ongoing WCL in the UK, was perceived as a symbolic clash between India and Pakistan, prompting the PCB to take action.
Board Meeting Leads to Policy Shift
According to sources cited by Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB’s Board of Directors convened on Thursday to deliberate on the issue. The board concluded that the repeated refusal by Indian players to face Pakistani teams in the WCL’s second edition was damaging to Pakistan’s reputation. As a result, the PCB has decided to prohibit any private organization from using Pakistan’s name in their cricket leagues unless explicitly authorized.
Legal Measures and Future Implications
The PCB has warned that any private entity using Pakistan’s name without permission will face legal consequences. The board retains exclusive rights to approve the use of the country’s name for cricket events, contingent upon verifying the league’s authenticity and the organization’s reputation. This move aims to prevent unauthorized associations with Pakistan in minor and low-profile leagues across countries like Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the USA.
Government Advisory and Current Exceptions
The Pakistan government, along with the Inter-provincial Coordination Committee (IPC), has advised the PCB to regulate the use of Pakistan’s name in future private cricket leagues. Despite this new directive, the current Pakistan Legends team is permitted to play in Saturday’s final against South Africa. This exception underscores a transitional phase as the PCB implements its new policy.