Controversy Leads PCB to Ban ‘Pakistan’ Team Names in Private Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has prohibited the use of ‘Pakistan’ in the names of teams participating in privately organized cricket leagues. This decision is a direct response to the events surrounding the World Championship of Legends (WCL), where former Indian cricketers twice declined to play against teams bearing the ‘Pakistan Champions’ title. The initial instance involved a group-stage match, after a terror attack in Pahalgam. The IPC Ministry has urged the PCB to take measures to safeguard national pride in international sporting competitions, specifically those not officially sanctioned. The PCB’s move aims to prevent similar situations in the future, as the Board of Directors expressed their dissatisfaction. The team, composed of veteran players like Misbah ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, and Shahid Afridi was ready to participate in the semi-finals.