The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to ban the use of “Pakistan” in any cricket league without prior approval, following controversy at the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) in England.

 

According to reports, no league or team will be allowed to use the name Pakistan without formal permission from PCB. The decision was taken by the PCB’s Board of Directors in response to events surrounding the WCL, where political interference once again marred the spirit of the game.

 

In line with its repeated efforts to politicise cricket, India refused to play against Pakistan in the WCL semifinal which was scheduled for July 31 in Birmingham. Earlier, India had also boycotted the group stage match against Pakistan. By walking away from the semifinal, India effectively handed Pakistan Champions a direct spot in the final.

 

Reports suggest that five Indian players, including captain Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan, opted out of the semifinal due to Shahid Afridi’s presence in the Pakistan squad. The players had earlier demanded Afridi's exclusion over his criticism of Indian actions in Kashmir.

 

WCL later confirmed India's withdrawal in an official statement.

 

The political tension comes at a time when India recently agreed to participate in Asia Cup 2025, following an Asian Cricket Council meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. However, backlash within India against playing with Pakistan continues to mount.

 

Despite the controversy, the WCL final is set to take place today (Saturday) between Pakistan Champions and South Africa Champions. 

 

South Africa sealed their spot in the final after a nail-biting one-run win over Australia Champions in the second semifinal. Batting first, South Africa posted 186 for 8 with Morne van Wyk scoring 76 and Stumps contributing 57. Australia, led by Daniel Christian’s 49, fell just short, finishing at 185 for 7.

 

The final between Pakistan and South Africa will now determine the winner of the World Championship of Legends 2025.