In a strongly worded statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has condemned what it described as the "hypocritical, political and Indian bias" in the recently concluded World Championship of Legends (WCL), held in the United Kingdom.
The sharp rebuke came after a Board of Governors meeting in Lahore, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and attended by former captain Zaheer Abbas. Following the meeting, the PCB announced a blanket ban on Pakistani participation in all future editions of the WCL.
Fury Over India’s Forfeiture and Points Award
Central to Pakistan’s anger is the WCL’s controversial decision to award a point to the Indian legends team, despite their players refusing to play against Pakistan. The refusal came in the wake of online outrage following recent political tensions between the two countries.
The PCB reviewed with considerable disappointment WCL’s appalling conduct of awarding points to a willfully forfeiting team. The press releases of the WCL announcing the cancellation of the scheduled India vs Pakistan matches were tainted with hypocrisy and bias.
“Peace Through Sport” – A Selective Slogan?
The PCB took particular issue with the league's messaging, accusing the organisers of exploiting the “peace through sport” narrative only when convenient.
The contents of the said press releases highlight a duality where the narrative of ‘peace through sport’ is selectively applied, and sporting events are held hostage to political expediency and narrow commercial interests.
This, the board said, goes against the core values of global sport and sends a dangerous signal to international cricket.
WCL Apology Branded a Farce
WCL had issued an apology stating it “regretted hurting sentiments” by cancelling the match. However, the PCB dismissed it as “farcical,” stating it was a thinly veiled admission that the decision was not based on cricketing merit but on “succumbing to a specific nationalistic narrative.”
“This bias, masquerading as sensitivity, sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community,” the PCB said.
“This bias, masquerading as sensitivity, sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community. We Cannot Be Part of Politically Skewed Events.
Calling the developments “deeply concerning,” the PCB said that cricket — especially involving legendary players — must remain free of external political pressures and manipulation.
“In light of this unfortunate development, which underscores a clear and intolerable pattern of external influence and a disregard for the principles of sporting neutrality, the Pakistan Cricket Board is compelled to take a firm stance,” the statement continued.
“The PCB can no longer condone participation in an event where the fundamental principles of fair play and unbiased administration are compromised.”
PCB Reaffirms Commitment to Global Cricket
Despite its strong words, the PCB reiterated its dedication to the global game.
The PCB remains committed to promoting cricket globally and fostering healthy sporting rivalries. However, we cannot allow our players to be part of events where the spirit of the game is overshadowed by skewed politics that undermines the very essence of sportsmanship and the gentleman’s game.
With its ban and condemnation, the PCB has not only distanced itself from the WCL but also fired a warning shot about the growing influence of political agendas in global sport — a development it says the cricketing world must confront.
