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Pakistan Champions<\/strong> have withdrawn from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026<\/strong> after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)<\/strong> refused to issue the required No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). The team finished runners-up to South Africa<\/strong> in last year\u2019s tournament but will now miss the ongoing edition.<\/p>\n The development comes after the PCB took a strong stance against the WCL following controversies involving India and Pakistan during the previous edition. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the board maintained its position.<\/p>\n The PCB\u2019s decision stems from India withdrawing from two matches against Pakistan last year, including the semi-final. Pakistan received a walkover in the knockout match, but the PCB was particularly unhappy after India were awarded a point following their withdrawal from a group-stage fixture against Pakistan.<\/p>\n The board described the situation as an \u201cunacceptable message to the international sporting community\u201d<\/em> and accused the competition of \u201chypocrisy and bias\u201d<\/em>. It also said the WCL had mixed politics with sport before announcing a blanket ban on Pakistan\u2019s future participation. The PCB maintained that stance this year despite attempts by the WCL organisers to secure the necessary NOCs.<\/p>\n Also WATCH: Faf du Plessis takes a stunning running catch to dismiss Dave Mohammed in WCL 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Pakistan Champions confirmed their withdrawal after the PCB upheld its decision. Team owner Kamil Khan had formally requested the PCB to reconsider its decision and remained involved in discussions over the team\u2019s participation. However, no agreement could be reached.<\/p>\n The team said in a statement: \u201cPakistan Champions regret to confirm that the team will not be able to participate in the ongoing WCL, following the Pakistan Cricket Board\u2019s decision to uphold its refusal to issue the required NOC.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The 2026 WCL began on October 3, while Pakistan\u2019s scheduled match against Bangladesh<\/strong> was postponed as organisers tried to find a solution. The WCL was reportedly willing to reschedule Pakistan\u2019s matches while the NOC issue was being discussed. With Pakistan Champions due to face Australia on Monday, it became clear that the deadlock could not be resolved in time. The squad was set to be led by Shahid Afridi<\/strong><\/a> and included Shoaib Malik<\/strong>, Mohammad Hafeez<\/strong>, Sarfraz Ahmed<\/strong> and Wahab Riaz<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nPCB maintains its stance on WCL participation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Pakistan Champions confirm withdrawal from WCL 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n