The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a blanket ban on any future participation in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), citing serious concerns over the tournament’s administration and alleged bias.
The decision follows WCL’s response to India Legends’ withdrawal from the semi-final clash against Pakistan.
PCB Condemns WCL’s Handling of India-Pakistan Clash
During its 79th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting, chaired virtually by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, board members expressed strong disappointment over WCL’s decision to award points to India Legends, who had forfeited their semi-final match against Pakistan.
“The PCB reviewed with considerable disappointment WCL’s appalling conduct of awarding points to a willfully forfeiting team, and the content of the press releases announcing the cancellation of the India vs. Pakistan legends match,” the board stated.
The PCB accused WCL of issuing statements tainted with hypocrisy and bias.
The board accused the organisers of applying the ‘peace through sport’ narrative selectively and allowing political agendas and commercial interests to override sporting fairness.
The PCB took a firm stance in response to the external influence and disregard for sporting neutrality. The PCB refused to condone participation in a tournament that compromises fair play and impartial administration.
India Legends Withdrew from Key Matches
The controversy erupted when India Legends, including players like Shikhar Dhawan, refused to play against Pakistan during the league stage in Birmingham.
The Indian team chose to pull out of the semi-final match, despite being scheduled to face Pakistan again.
Senior officials, including Sumair Ahmed Syed, Salman Naseer, Zaheer Abbas, and Zahid Akhtar Zaman, finalised the decision to ban future participation during the virtual BoG meeting.
Special invitee Usman Wahla and Additional Secretary Mir Hassan Naqvi were also present.
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