The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a new rule. Before using the name "Pakistan," private cricket leagues need to get permission from the PCB.
This rule was made after a problem happened in the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL). In that event, some Indian players refused to play against the Pakistan Champions team twice. This caused tension between the teams.
What Happened at the World Championship of Legends?
The WCL 2025 had two matches that caused conflict:
- In the first match, after a sad terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali, Indian players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Irfan Pathan chose not to play against Pakistan Champions. Because India did not play, both teams got one point each.
- Later in the tournament, India reached the semifinals but again did not want to play Pakistan Champions. This gave Pakistan a place directly in the final without playing the semifinal.
Why Did PCB Make This Rule?
The PCB was unhappy about India not playing twice. They felt it hurt Pakistan’s pride and the country’s cricket reputation. In August 2025, the PCB said that private cricket leagues must get their approval before using the name "Pakistan.
A PCB spokesperson said the refusals “were hurtful for our country’s name.” The PCB will take legal action if leagues use the name without permission.
Support from the Government
The Pakistan Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry, which looks after sports in Pakistan, supports the PCB’s decision. They say it is important to protect Pakistan’s honor in all sports events, especially private ones.
What Does This Mean for Future Matches?
This rule applies only to private leagues. Official cricket tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, where India and Pakistan will play, are not affected. Pakistan Champions were allowed to play the WCL final against South Africa.
Effect on Private Leagues and Sponsors
Private leagues must now get PCB permission before using “Pakistan” in team names or event titles. This prevents unofficial events from using Pakistan’s cricket name without permission. Some sponsors like EaseMyTrip have already stopped supporting India-Pakistan matches in private leagues because of political tensions.
In Summary
The main goal of the PCB’s new rule is to keep Pakistan’s good name and respect in cricket safe. It shows how sports and politics are connected, especially between India and Pakistan. By controlling the use of its name, the PCB wants to keep respect for Pakistan’s cricket in private events.