Archive · 5 Oct 2026
PCB Refuses WCL Entry After Apology and Handshake Conditions Rejected
Pakistan Champions is a team of retired cricket players.
The team wanted to play in the World Championship of Legends, but Pakistan's cricket board did not give it permission.
Reports said the board wanted Indian players to apologize in writing for skipping earlier matches and to shake hands.
The tournament organizers did not accept those requests.
So Pakistan Champions said it would not play this season.
India Champions had skipped two matches against Pakistan Champions in 2025 after a deadly attack in Pahalgam.
The teams were supposed to play again on October 10, but that game will not happen.
The Pakistan Cricket Board refused to issue the NOC needed for Pakistan Champions to play in the WCL's third season.
Reports said the PCB required Indian players to provide a written apology for boycotting matches and to shake hands with Pakistani players.
The WCL management rejected those conditions, and the Pakistan Champions team confirmed it would not participate.
India Champions withdrew from two 2025 WCL matches against Pakistan Champions after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The teams were scheduled to meet again on October 10, but that match will not take place.
- Who
- The Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan Champions, and the World Championship of Legends management; reports also describe conditions involving Indian players.
- What
- The PCB refused to issue the NOC for Pakistan Champions to play in the WCL after tournament management rejected reported apology and handshake conditions.
- When
- The report was published October 5, 2026; the teams' scheduled match was October 10.
- Where
- The World Championship of Legends.
- Why
- The PCB had barred the team after India Champions boycotted two 2025 matches; reports said the PCB sought written apologies and handshakes before allowing participation.
PCB and Pakistan Champions
WCL Management
Conditions for Pakistan Champions' participation
PCB and Pakistan Champions
According to reports, the PCB required Indian players to issue a written apology for the boycotts and to shake hands with Pakistani players.
WCL Management
The WCL management rejected the reported conditions.
Participation in the tournament
PCB and Pakistan Champions
The PCB upheld its refusal to issue the NOC, preventing Pakistan Champions from taking part.
WCL Management
The team said it would not participate after the required NOC was refused.
- Competition
- World Championship of Legends (WCL), third season
- PCB decision
- Refused to issue the required No-Objection Certificate
- Reported conditions
- Written apologies from Indian players over the boycotts and handshakes with Pakistani players
- Pakistan Champions statement
- The team confirmed it would not participate and said it respected the PCB's authority
- 2025 withdrawals
- India Champions withdrew from its league-stage match and later its semi-final against Pakistan Champions
- Scheduled fixture
- India Champions and Pakistan Champions were due to meet October 10; the match will not go ahead
- Reported tournament co-owners
- Harshit Tomar and Ajay Devgn