PCB pulls out of World Championship of Legends, cites political bias and unfair conduct

Islamabad: In a shocking move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that it will no longer participate in any future editions of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), The Nation reported, citing the PCB.

"The championship's handling of events appeared to be under invisible pressures...The apology issued later seemed motivated by a specific form of nationalism, making it difficult for us to continue our participation," the PCB noted.

The decision came just days after India pulled out of the tournament. 

In an official statement, the WCL later said, "We respect the India Champions' decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions' readiness to compete. Taking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final."

Meanwhile, Pakistan's decision to exit the tournament was taken during a Board of Governors meeting, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. 

One of the most contentious issues raised by the board was the decision to award points to a team that had voluntarily forfeited a match, a move the PCB claimed was "highly questionable" and against the spirit of fair competition.

The board further criticised the press release put out by WCL organisers after the India-Pakistan match was called off. It is termed the communication "politically charged and prejudiced."

The PCB said it would not take part in any event where the values of neutrality and fair play are undermined. The board made it clear that it will not be associated with tournaments that allow external agendas to dictate the course of the game.

Earlier, the media outlets reported that the Yuvraj Singh-led team had refused to play the semi-final match against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India also boycotted their group-stage match against Pakistan earlier in the tournament.