Following controversy at the World Championships of Legends, PCB tightens control over national branding in unofficial cricket events
🏏 PCB Acts Swiftly After India-Pakistan Controversy in WCL 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially banned the use of the country’s name in team titles for private cricket leagues, following a highly publicized dispute during the World Championships of Legends (WCL) 2025.
The decision came after Indian players refused to play against a team named ‘Pakistan Champions’, sparking a diplomatic and sporting backlash that the PCB claims tarnished the nation’s image.
📌 Key Highlights
- PCB bans use of ‘Pakistan’ in team names for private leagues
- Decision taken after WCL 2025 India-Pakistan dispute
- India refused to face Pakistan Champions twice during the tournament
- Legal action will be taken against unauthorized use of the country’s name
- The ban does not affect the Pakistan Legends team in WCL final
- Government advisory issued to reinforce restrictions
🛑 Why PCB Enforced the Ban
According to a report in Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB Board of Directors met on Thursday and unanimously agreed on the ban, citing the reputational damage caused by India’s refusal to play Pakistan in a private league setting.
“Indian players refusing to play Pakistan twice in WCL 2025 is hurtful to the country’s image,” sources told the outlet.
⚖️ Legal Action Against Unauthorized Use
The PCB made it clear that only officially sanctioned events will be allowed to use the national identity in branding. Any private organizations misusing the ‘Pakistan’ name will face legal consequences.
“PCB reserves the exclusive right to approve the use of the country’s name based on the authenticity and credibility of the organizing body,” the report stated.
🌍 Global Use in Private Leagues Under Scrutiny
The move comes amid concerns that the Pakistan name has been used by multiple unofficial teams in lower-tier leagues across Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the USA, without proper authorization.
🏛️ Government Backs PCB’s Stand
The Pakistan government and the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Committee have issued a formal advisory, instructing the PCB to regulate and restrict the use of national identifiers in privately organized cricket events moving forward.
✅ Current Exception: Pakistan Legends in WCL Final
Despite the new rule, the Pakistan Legends team will be allowed to compete in the WCL 2025 final against South Africa, scheduled for Saturday. The PCB has granted this as a one-time exception due to the team’s ongoing participation.
Also Read : Shahid Afridi’s “Kis Muh Se” Jibe Backfires as India Champions Exit WCL Semifinal
