Rocked by the WCL debacle, PCB bans the use of Pakistan's name in private leagues
When it came to deciding between playing against Pakistan or abandoning the tournament altogether, India opted for the latter. Despite a tumultuous run in the World Championship of Legends 2025, the India Champions managed to reach the semi-finals. However, waiting for the defending champions in the knockout fixture were the Pakistan Champions. The India vs Pakistan WCL 2025 opener had been abandoned earlier after Indian players refused to play against their arch-rivals. Now, this latest move by India appears to have rattled Pakistan.
Now, while the Shahid Afridi led team put up a brave face in England, gearing up for the WCL 2025 final, the PCB has taken a stern step. The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly decided to prohibit the use of the name "Pakistan" in any privately organized cricket tournament. This decision closely follows India’s refusal to play against Pakistan Champions twice during the World Championships of Legends.The move was perceived as a significant slight by Pakistani authorities.
As per a recent report, the PCB has taken a firm stance, warning that legal action could be pursued against any private entity using the country's name without approval. The board's concern stems from the growing trend of framing unofficial fixtures as high-profile India vs Pakistan encounters. Time and again, such antics have sparked unnecessary political and public tension.
“The decision was taken after a detailed discussion in the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday,” sources told in the report. “The high-level authorities felt Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in the WCL's second edition twice is hurtful to the name of the country."
The ban, however, will not impact the Pakistan Champions side scheduled to participate in the WCL 2025 final against South Africa Champions. Still, moving forward, private leagues will be required to refrain from associating themselves with the nation’s name unless explicitly authorized. The report also highlights that several lesser-known private leagues in countries like Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the USA have used “Pakistan” in team names to lend legitimacy or fanfare to their tournaments.
Additionally, it has come to light that Pakistan's Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), the governmental body overseeing sports, has issued an advisory to the PCB. The advisory has urged tighter control over the representation of the country in private cricketing ventures.
“All private organizations will face legal action in case they use Pakistan's name. PCB has the sole right to allow its use for cricket events if it finds the authenticity of the League and the organization as reputable,” the report quoted.
