After WCL 2025 controversy, PCB bans using ‘Pakistan’ name in private leagues

In an interesting turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to put a ban on using the name of the country in the teams that are representing the nation in private leagues across the world.

This news has come right after the Indian Champions players pulled out of their game against Pakistan Champions in the league phase and the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL 2025) campaign due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between both countries.

“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 is hurtful to the name of the country,” sources told www.telecomasia.net on Friday. 

Furthermore, PCB has made it clear that in the future there will be no permissions given to any private organization to use the name of the nation for private leagues. However, Pakistan Champions are allowed to play against South Africa Champions in the WCL 2025 final on Saturday, August 2.

“All private organizations will face legal action in case they use Pakistan's name. PCB has the sole right to allow its use for cricket events if it finds the authenticity of the League and the organization as reputable,” the report quoted sources close to the PCB as saying.

It’s worth noting that multiple private organizations across the world have used the name of Pakistan as one of the teams in low-profile franchise leagues in Zimbabwe, Kenya and the United States of America.

It’s important to note that the PCB took this decision after they received an advisory, to control the usage of its country’s name in private leagues, from the Pakistan government and the IPC (Inter-provincial coordination committee), which is looking after the sports in the nation.

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