After boycotting the match against India due to political reasons, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a complete ban on participating in the ‘World Championship of Legends’ tournament in the future.
Pakistan couldn’t withstand AB de Villiers’ batting blitz in the final, eventually finishing as runners-up — still a commendable achievement. However, Pakistan will no longer be seen in any future editions of the World Championship of Legends. Citing multiple grievances, the PCB has officially declared a total withdrawal from the competition.
The controversy began in the group stage when India refused to play their scheduled match against Pakistan, citing political tensions. Later, the two teams were again scheduled to meet in the semifinals, but India declined to play once more. Following the tournament, the PCB made a stern announcement.
After India refused to play in the group match, both teams were awarded one point each. The PCB slammed this decision in its statement, saying it “has been tainted by ‘bias and hypocrisy.’”
The PCB also accused the organizers of exploiting the tournament’s theme — ‘promoting peace through sports’ — for commercial gain and political convenience.
In a strong statement released after PCB’s 79th Board of Governors meeting, the board said:
“The decision to cancel the match wasn’t based on any cricketing reason. It was made to appease a specific nationalist ideology. We cannot allow our players to participate in a tournament where distorted politics overshadow the true spirit of sport, sportsmanship, and the gentleman’s game.”
After the boycott, organizers had issued a statement saying, “We are sorry if anyone’s sentiments were hurt.” The PCB criticized this response, calling it “biased and a dangerously disguised message under the veil of sensitivity that is unacceptable in the global sporting community.”
In the six-team tournament held in England, South Africa Champions crushed Pakistan Champions by nine wickets in the final on Saturday. AB de Villiers starred with an unbeaten 120 off 60 balls — his third century in the tournament — earning him both the Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament honors.
