Pakistan Champions Pull Out of WCL Season 3 Amid NOC Dispute With PCB

Pakistan Champions have officially pulled out of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 3, currently underway in the UAE, following the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to deny No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the team's players. The withdrawal, confirmed by both the team and WCL organisers on October 5, 2026, ends weeks of uncertainty that had already seen their opening fixture postponed. Where to Watch World Championship of Legends 2026 Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast in India.

Withdrawal Confirmed After Protracted Standoff

The decision comes after the PCB upheld its refusal to grant the necessary NOCs, a move that Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had reportedly appealed, seeking reconsideration from the board. Despite ongoing discussions, the impasse remained unresolved, leading to the unfortunate exit of one of the tournament's most anticipated teams. In an official statement on October 5, 2026, Pakistan Champions expressed their regret, stating, "Pakistan Champions regret to confirm that the team will not be able to participate in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL), following the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to uphold its refusal to issue the required NOC."

The WCL organisers also acknowledged the withdrawal, citing "unforeseen circumstances" and confirming that the tournament would proceed with six teams.

Roots of the Dispute: The 2025 India-Pakistan Controversy

The genesis of this standoff lies in the events of the 2025 edition of the World Championship of Legends. During that tournament, the India Champions team reportedly refused to play against Pakistan Champions following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, citing geopolitical tensions and public sentiment. This led to the cancellation of their group-stage fixture (with both teams awarded a point) and Pakistan Champions being awarded a walkover in the semi-final when India maintained its stance.

According to sources, the PCB had agreed to consider granting NOCs for the 2026 season but had set conditions, including a written apology from the Indian team for their actions last season and assurances regarding Indian players' participation and handshakes. These demands were reportedly rejected by the WCL organisers. The PCB had previously issued a blanket ban on Pakistan's participation in the WCL in August 2025, accusing organisers of bias and political interference.

Tournament Impact and Schedule Disruptions

World Championship of Legends Season 3 commenced on October 3, 2026, and is scheduled to run until October 18, 2026, with matches hosted at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. Pakistan Champions' first match, against Bangladesh Champions, was initially slated for October 3, 2026, at 7:30 PM UAE time (GMT+4) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This match was postponed due to "technical reasons" at the time, which were later understood to be related to the ongoing NOC issues. With Pakistan's withdrawal, this match will now not be played.

WCL Season 3 Key Details:

• Tournament Dates: October 3 – 18, 2026
• Venues: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
• Format: 21 league games, two semi-finals, one final
• Participating Teams (after withdrawal): India Champions, Australia Champions, England Champions, South Africa Champions, West Indies Champions, Bangladesh Champions
• Previous Editions: Pakistan Champions were runners-up in both the 2024 (lost to India Champions) and 2025 (lost to South Africa Champions) WCL editions. Shoaib Akhtar Rubbishes PCB Chief Selector Rumours, Recalls Mother’s Advice.

The absence of Pakistan Champions, who were finalists in the previous two editions, is a significant blow to the tournament's competitive landscape and undoubtedly disappoints fans eager to see their legendary players in action.

This development underscores the complexities of international cricket, where administrative decisions and historical disputes can profoundly impact player participation and the overall fabric of global tournaments. The WCL will now look to proceed with its revised six-team format, hoping to deliver an engaging competition despite the high-profile withdrawal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2026 10:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).