Pakistan Champions have officially pulled out of the third edition of the World Championship of Legends after failing to secure a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Cricket Board. The team management had engaged in discussions with the board in an effort to clear their participation. Kamil Khan, the owner of the Pakistan Champions franchise, personally urged the board to reconsider its stance, but the stalemate between the two entities could not be resolved.
Official statement confirms withdrawal over missing clearance
Pakistan Champions confirmed their exit through an official statement issued on Monday. The franchise expressed regret that the team would not be able to compete in the current campaign because the cricket board maintained its decision not to grant the necessary clearance. The statement noted that the franchise respects the authority and decision of the board, while acknowledging deep disappointment that their cricketers will miss the chance to represent the team at a global tournament featuring legendary players. The management also conveyed gratitude to their squad, followers, and supporters for standing by them.
Background of earlier disputes and PCB demands
The decision to skip the tournament stems directly from an unresolved dispute between the cricket board and the league organisers that began during the previous season. Amid heightened political tensions during that campaign, India Champions had declined to take the field for their scheduled fixture against Pakistan Champions. That refusal drew sharp criticism from the Pakistan board toward the event organisers, leading to restrictions on its players participating in the league.
For the third edition, the board indicated it would grant clearance only if specific prerequisites were satisfied. These demands included securing a formal written apology from Indian cricketers for refusing to play against Pakistan in the previous edition, alongside an explicit assurance that players from both squads would shake hands.
Talks collapse over apology demand, forcing match cancellation
Discussions between the league owners and the cricket board ultimately broke down over these stipulations. While tournament organisers agreed to certain conditions outlined by the board, they refused to accept the demands requiring a written apology and a formal handshake pledge. Following this disagreement, Pakistan Champions finalized their departure from the competition. As an immediate consequence of this deadlock, the high-profile match between India and Pakistan scheduled for October 10 has been cancelled.
Past tournament record and revised format
Pakistan Champions had been one of the most consistent outfits in the league, finishing as runners-up in both previous editions. During the inaugural season held in 2024, they reached the final before suffering a defeat against India Champions. In the 2025 final, South Africa Champions defeated them to lift the trophy. The league management formally acknowledged the exit of Pakistan Champions on Monday and announced that six teams will now contest the third edition of the tournament.
