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PCB Stops Teams From Using “Pakistan” In Private Leagues After WCL 2025 Drama

Rajgeeta Yadav

Pakistan cricket board bans on using the name of the country [Source: AFP]Pakistan cricket board bans on using the name of the country [Source: AFP]

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to stop all privately-run cricket teams from using the country’s name, “Pakistan,” in their team names. This move came after a major controversy during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

During the WCL 2025, a big issue occurred when the India team refused to play against the team named Pakistan Champions. The Indian side, which included well-known former players like Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan and Harbhajan Singh, didn’t show up for two key matches, one in the group stage and the other in the semi-final.

Because of this, Pakistan Champions automatically moved on to the final. The reason behind India’s refusal was political tension between the two countries.

What Did PCB Do?

As a result of this incident, PCB became highly concerned about how it might affect Pakistan’s image in international cricket. According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, they called an emergency meeting with their Board of Governors to discuss the matter.

After the meeting, the PCB announced that from now on, only the official cricket board has the right to allow anyone to use the name “Pakistan” in any cricket team or event. This rule will help prevent any misuse of the country's name in unofficial tournaments.

"Going forward, no private organisation will be allowed to use the country’s name in any capacity unless the PCB verifies the league’s legitimacy and reputation. All violators will face legal action," the source said.

Although Pakistan Legends team will still be allowed to play in the WCL final against South Africa Champions, any future teams or leagues will need to get special approval from the PCB before using “Pakistan” in their names. The PCB also said they will first check if the league or tournament is trustworthy.

In addition to this, Pakistan’s Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee (IPC), which looks after sports in the country, asked the PCB to keep tighter control over how the country’s name is used in cricket.

Despite this controversy, the men’s teams from India and Pakistan are still expected to face each other in the Asia Cup 2025, which will take place in the UAE on September 14. 

The tournament schedule was released in late July after a meeting in Dhaka, which the Indian cricket board (BCCI) attended virtually.