PCB Considers Restrictions on Teams Using Pakistan’s Name in Franchise Leagues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating placing limitations on teams utilizing the nation’s identity while taking part in franchise-based leagues globally, sources revealed on Friday.

According to insiders, the PCB Board of Directors arrived at this decision subsequent to the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 controversy, where India Champions repeatedly declined to compete against Pakistan Champions.

Further details indicated that the cricket board’s resolution is geared toward preserving Pakistan’s standing from potential damage.

As a result, the PCB now mandates that teams secure formal authorization from the board to incorporate Pakistan’s name in any league.

However, the restriction will be enforced starting from the next WCL edition, implying that Pakistan Champions can participate in the final with their existing name.

The current season of the international tournament, showcasing veteran players from six prominent cricket-playing nations, has garnered significant attention owing to the Indian Champions’ choice to withdraw from matches against Pakistan Champions.

The defending champions were initially scheduled to face their rivals on July 20, but several players, notably Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, and Yuvraj Singh, opposed the highly anticipated match.

Shortly after reports of their refusal surfaced, the tournament organizers officially cancelled the high-stakes encounter, resulting in a shared point for both teams.

Subsequently, following the conclusion of the league stage, Pakistan Champions, the previous season’s runners-up, secured the top position in the standings, while India Champions attained fourth place, setting the stage for another showdown between the fierce competitors in the first semi-final.

Nevertheless, merely hours before the scheduled start, the knockout match was also cancelled because of India Champions’ unwillingness to play against Pakistan Champions, citing public sentiment.

Consequently, Pakistan Champions have progressed to the final, where they will face the victor of the subsequent semi-final, scheduled to be contested between South Africa and Australia later today.