The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to ban the use of the country’s name in all privately-run cricket leagues, a move that comes in the wake of mounting embarrassment during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) currently being played in the UK.
Sources told Telecom Asia Sport that the decision was taken during a Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, where senior officials expressed frustration after Indian players twice refused to take the field against Pakistan during the WCL’s second edition.
The authorities felt that Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in a globally-viewed event was damaging to the image of the country.
One Final Outing for ‘Pakistan Legends’
While the newly-formed Pakistan Legends team has been allowed to play the final against South Africa on Saturday, the PCB has made it clear that no future teams or leagues will be permitted to use the name ‘Pakistan’ without formal clearance.
This development affects a growing trend of Pakistan’s name being used across low-profile leagues in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the USA, often without proper oversight or quality standards.
Going forward, no private organisation will be allowed to use the country’s name in any capacity unless the PCB verifies the league’s legitimacy and reputation. All violators will face legal action.
Govt Backs PCB's Stand on Country’s Image
In a significant show of support, the Government of Pakistan and the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry, which oversees sports affairs in the country, have advised the PCB to take stringent action to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The IPC is understood to have formally communicated its concerns to the cricket board, stressing the need to protect national dignity in international sporting events, especially those involving private or unsanctioned entities.
