The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a ban on its players participating in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), pointing to concerns over “political bias” and “unfair practices” in the tournament’s administration.

During a recent meeting led by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the Board of Governors expressed strong objections to what they described as a “politically influenced” event. The PCB issued a statement on Sunday, condemning the WCL organizers for their “prejudiced actions” and asserting that players should not participate in a competition marked by such bias.

The decision follows controversy surrounding the cancellation of a highly anticipated Pakistan-India match in the WCL, which the PCB claims was handled with a lack of transparency. The board criticized the WCL’s decision to award points to one team without playing the match, calling it a violation of cricket’s core principles. “Such actions undermine the integrity of global sporting competitions,” the PCB stated.

The PCB reiterated its commitment to separating sports from political influences, emphasizing that it has consistently advocated for neutrality in international events. The board expressed regret over the WCL’s apparent submission to external pressures, which it believes compromises fair competition.

The PCB warned that the WCL’s “discriminatory approach” threatens the credibility of international cricket and could have serious implications for the sport’s future. “This is a concerning precedent that must be addressed to protect the spirit of the game,” the statement concluded.