After a chaotic and controversy-filled second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), the aftermath is beginning to spill out into the media.
On one side, you have the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fuming over what it deems as “politically motivated behaviour” from WCL organisers. On the other hand, you’ve got Kamil Khan, owner of the Pakistan Champions franchise, standing firm and unapologetic.
And now, with the PCB announcing a blanket ban on the use of Pakistan’s name in future WCL events, it’s fair to say things have officially escalated.
PCB’s Blanket Ban Sparks Backlash
The drama took centre stage during the 79th meeting of the PCB’s Board of Governors. Following the refusal of the India Champions to play two matches, a group stage fixture and a semi-final, against their arch-rivals, the Pakistan Champions, the board voiced strong disapproval of how the organisers handled it all.
With India pulling out of both games citing “political tensions,” Pakistan were handed one shared point in the league match and then a walkover in the semi-final.
Despite making it to the final, the Pakistan Champions fell short yet again, losing to the South Africa Champions and finishing as runners-up for the second straight time. But what followed after the final has dominated headlines even more.
The PCB announced that Pakistan will no longer take part in WCL events and, more significantly, franchises will not be allowed to use the country’s name moving forward.
“Pakistan Is Our Pride, Not a Trademark”
Speaking to the media in Birmingham, Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan didn’t hold back.
“This is our own team. I own it. It’s a private league,” he clarified. “PCB does not own the team. There are so many private leagues around the world. No one can stop us from naming our team after our country. Pakistan is our pride.”
And according to him, everything about Pakistan Champions’ participation was done by the book.
“In fact, we also met with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was supportive and helpful. I’m thankful to him for backing Pakistan Champions,” he revealed. “We took NOCs from the PCB for all the players.”
Did the PCB Overreact?
Kamil also highlighted that there was no breach of branding, no misuse of logos, and no violation of protocol. “We didn’t use PCB’s logo or any of their branding, only their players, and that too after securing official clearance,” he said.
He believes the decision to ban the franchise from using the name “Pakistan Champions” is based on a misinterpretation of intent. The team wasn’t masquerading as a national team; rather, it was a privately-owned team playing under a name that resonated with fans.
What Happens Next?
While Kamil Khan is confident that his team will continue to participate, name intact, the PCB’s stance may make things complicated. Without access to PCB-contracted players or official clearance, future editions could see the squad weakened or heavily altered.
But Khan seems determined.
“Just like the first season, Pakistan Champions performed really well in the second season too,” he said. “One bad day doesn’t make a team bad. Losing one final doesn’t mean the Pakistan Champions is over.”
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