The
The withdrawal brings an end to weeks of uncertainty regarding the team's involvement in the competition. Despite efforts by team owner Kamil Khan to negotiate with the board and request a reconsideration of the decision, the PCB maintained its stance, effectively ending the campaign for the Pakistan Champions before it could begin.
Standoff Over Tournament Conditions
Reports indicate that the refusal to issue NOCs was linked to conditions set by the PCB regarding previous fixtures between India and Pakistan. According to these reports, the board sought assurances that Indian players would offer an apology for their refusal to play against Pakistan during the 2025 edition of the tournament, alongside a commitment that players from both sides would engage in handshakes.
While the WCL management reportedly agreed to the commercial terms proposed by the PCB, they rejected the demands concerning the apology and the handshake protocols. Consequently, the impasse remained unresolved, leading to the team's formal exit. In a statement released on Monday, the Pakistan Champions expressed their disappointment while acknowledging the authority of the board.
Impact on WCL Season 3
The tension stems from the 2025 WCL, during which the India Champions declined to play scheduled matches against the Pakistan Champions, citing political sensitivities. This resulted in the cancellation of a group-stage fixture and a semifinal match, the latter of which allowed Pakistan to progress to the final. Following these events, the PCB implemented stricter regulations regarding the participation of its players in the league.
The withdrawal of the Pakistan Champions has necessitated changes to the current tournament schedule, including the cancellation of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash that was slated for October 10. The WCL confirmed that the tournament will proceed with the remaining six teams. Historically, the Pakistan Champions have been a prominent side in the competition, having finished as runners-up in both the 2024 and 2025 editions, falling to India Champions and South Africa Champions respectively.
