After WCL 2025 Controversy, PCB Bans Teams from Using ‘Pakistan’ in League Titles

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly prohibited all private cricket leagues and organisations from using the nation's name, Pakistan, in their team branding, following a significant issue during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. Following the India Champions' two boycotts of matches against the Pakistan Champions, including the Birmingham semi-final match, the decision was taken.

After the current WCL in the UK was presented as a match between India and Pakistan, the PCB reportedly decided to ban the use of Pakistan's name in private cricket leagues, according to Telecom Asia Sport. The decision was made following a thorough discussion at the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, according to sources who spoke to Telecom Asia Sport on Friday. High-ranking officials believed that India's reputation would suffer as a result of the Indian players' unwillingness to play Pakistan twice in the second round of the WCL.

WCL 2025 Controversy Insiders:

When the India Champions, which included such greats as Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Harbhajan Singh, chose not to play in the group stage or the semi-final match against the Pakistan Champions in WCL 2025, a huge controversy erupted. Because of the political tensions between the two countries, the decision was made. After the Indian team withdrew from the league, the Pakistani champions, who had won the group, advanced straight to the championship match.

PCB Bans Use of “Pakistan” in Team Names
After a World Championship of Legends row, the Pakistan Cricket Board has barred private teams from using “Pakistan” in their names without approval, aiming to protect the country’s cricketing image. #PCB#WCL2025pic.twitter.com/Rsf5sT6Bjj

— Sports Tainment (@fight10ment) August 1, 2025

The sources revealed, “The decision was taken after a detailed discussion in the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday. The high-level authorities felt Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in the WCL's second edition twice was hurtful to the name of the country."

In addition to sending Pakistan to the final by default, India's decision to skip their semi-final disappointed supporters and other interested parties. As a courtesy to the impacted viewers, the organisers offered a 50% ticket refund. Notably, on September 14, the men's teams from India and Pakistan will play each other in the Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates. They may also face each other in the Super Fours and the championship match. On October 6, the women's teams will compete in the ODI World Cup in Colombo.

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