Raising sharp concerns over alleged political interference and a breach of sporting ethics, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its complete withdrawal from all future editions of the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

The decision, taken at a Board of Governors meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was described as a response to what the board termed “double standards and politically motivated actions” within the tournament’s administration.

“The championship’s handling of events appeared to be under invisible pressures,” the board stated, pointing to what it sees as a broader failure of neutrality in the competition. It further noted, “The apology issued later seemed motivated by a specific form of nationalism, making it difficult for us to continue our participation.”

Of particular contention was the awarding of points to a team that had voluntarily forfeited a match, an action the PCB described as “highly questionable” and “against the spirit of fair competition.”

The board also criticised a press release issued by the WCL organisers following the cancellation of the India–Pakistan fixture, calling the communication “politically charged and prejudiced.”

“The PCB will not take part in any event where the values of neutrality and fair play are undermined,” the statement read, making it clear that Pakistan would distance itself from tournaments where “external agendas dictate the course of the game.”

Also read: India Champions boycott Pakistan clash in WCL semifinal

The controversy was further compounded by public remarks from Nishant Pitti, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, a key commercial partner of the WCL. Pitti publicly declared that his company would not associate with any India-Pakistan match in the WCL, despite a five-year sponsorship deal signed earlier. He cited national sentiment and security concerns as the reason for the disassociation.

Posting on X, Pitti wrote, “India vs Pakistan – WCL Semi-Final. We applaud Team India @India_Champions for their outstanding performance in the World Championship of Legends. You’ve made the nation proud. However, the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game. Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand.”

He further stated, “@EaseMyTrip, we stand with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism. The people of India have spoken and we hear them. EaseMyTrip will not be associated with the India vs Pakistan match in WCL. Some things are bigger than sport. Nation first, business later. Always. Jai Hind.”

The public airing of these sentiments and the subsequent developments have sparked fresh debate around the intersection of politics and sport, particularly concerning Indo-Pakistani cricket ties on neutral platforms.