Reports: PCB bans teams from using country’s name in private leagues following WCL 2025 controversy

Following a major controversy during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly banned all private cricket leagues and organizations from using the country's name, Pakistan, in their team branding. The decision was made after India Champions twice boycotted matches against the Pakistan Champions, including the semi-final clash in Birmingham.

A major controversy broke out in WCL 2025 when the India Champions, featuring legends like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Harbhajan Singh, opted out of both their group stage fixture and the semi-final against the Pakistan Champions. The decision was made due to the political tensions between the two nations. Pakistan Champions, who topped the group, progressed directly to the final after the India team pulled out of the league.

According to a report in Telecom Asia Sport(www.telecomasia.net), the incident triggered discontent within the PCB, which convened an emergency Board of Governors meeting to address the concern over how such incidents could affect Pakistan’s global cricket image. Following the meeting, the PCB declared that only the official national cricket board holds the right to allow the use of the term Pakistan in cricket events. 

“The decision was taken after a detailed discussion in the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday. The high-level authorities felt Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in the WCL's second edition twice was hurtful to the name of the country," sources told www.telecomasia.net on Friday.

IND vs PAK Test series took place during state of war

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IND vs PAK Test series took place during state of war

PCB to regulate use of country’s name in cricket more strictly.

This policy will apply going forward to prevent misuse of the country's name in unofficial tournaments. While the PCB has allowed the current Pakistan Legends team to play the WCL final against the South Africa Champions, future permissions will be granted only after reviewing the credibility of private leagues.

Additionally, the reports stated that Pakistan’s Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee (IPC), the body overseeing national sports affairs, issued an advisory asking the PCB to regulate the use of the country’s name in cricket more strictly.

India’s refusal to play their semi-final not only advanced Pakistan to the final by default but also led to disappointment among fans and stakeholders. Organisers issued a 50% refund for tickets as a gesture to affected spectators.

Notably, India and Pakistan’s men’s teams are scheduled to meet in the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE on September 14, with potential matchups in the Super Fours and the final. Meanwhile, the women’s teams will clash at the ODI World Cup in Colombo on October 6.