Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 3 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) maintained its decision to deny No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the team’s players.
The withdrawal brings an end to uncertainty surrounding Pakistan Champions’ participation in the tournament. The franchise had been attempting to resolve the issue with the PCB and secure permission for its former international stars to take part in the competition.
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According to Geo Super, Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had formally approached the PCB and requested the board to reconsider its decision. Discussions continued over the team’s participation, but the PCB ultimately retained its stance on the NOCs.
The dispute is linked to the controversy that overshadowed the 2025 edition of the WCL, particularly the fallout surrounding an India-Pakistan fixture. The developments from last year’s tournament continued to affect Pakistan Champions’ participation in the 2026 season.
Reports suggest that the PCB had sought certain conditions related to the previous year’s controversy as part of its consideration of the NOC issue. However, those conditions were reportedly not accepted by the WCL management.
With the PCB refusing to reverse its decision, Pakistan Champions were unable to field their players in the tournament. The franchise subsequently decided to withdraw rather than continue its efforts to participate without the availability of its squad.
The decision is another setback for the Pakistan Champions side, which had been expected to feature former Pakistan stars in the veterans’ tournament. The WCL provides retired and former international cricketers with an opportunity to return to competitive action and represent teams made up of players from their respective countries.
The latest development also highlights the continuing impact of cricket-related tensions between India and Pakistan on events outside regular international cricket.
Pakistan Champions had remained involved in discussions with tournament officials while the NOC issue was being considered. However, the lack of a resolution meant the team could not proceed with its participation in Season 3.
The PCB’s decision effectively left the franchise with limited options. Without the required NOCs, the players could not represent Pakistan Champions, making it difficult for the team to participate with its intended squad.
The controversy follows the events of the 2025 WCL season, when India-Pakistan tensions became a major talking point around the tournament. The issue continued into the following edition, eventually contributing to Pakistan Champions’ withdrawal.
For the WCL, Pakistan’s absence means the tournament will proceed without one of its most prominent teams. The Pakistan Champions side features former international cricketers and has been a notable part of the competition since its inception.
The withdrawal also demonstrates how administrative decisions involving cricket boards can directly affect franchise-based tournaments involving retired players.
For now, the PCB has upheld its position on the NOCs, while Pakistan Champions have formally stepped away from the 2026 edition. Unless the two sides reach a fresh understanding, the team will remain absent from the remainder of WCL Season 3.
