PCB bans Pakistan players from WCL 2026: Dates, venue, details

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as per reports, has decided to ban its players from participating in the upcoming World Championship of Legends (WCL), scheduled to begin on October 03 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They cited bias by the organisers behind the decision.

It’s noted that during the previous edition of the event, India Champions forfeited their two games against the Pakistan side, including the semifinal clash, due to the political relations between the two countries.

Pakistani cricketers will reportedly not be allowed to take part in WCL 2026

The PCB has criticized the decision of the WCL to award points to the forfeiting team, as they shared the points when the blue brigade had refused to play Pakistan during the group-stage encounter. The board also described it as a selective use of the ‘peace through sport.’

Watch PCB banning Pakistan players here-

“The cancellation was not based on cricketing merit but on appeasing a specific nationalistic narrative. This sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community. However, we cannot allow our players to be part of events where the spirit of the game is overshadowed by skewed politics that undermines the very essence of sportsmanship and the gentleman's game.” The PCB expressed this in a statement.

The WCL, meanwhile, also issued an apology statement for ‘hurting the sentiments’ following the withdrawal of the Indian side from the particular clash.

“The WCL's apology for 'hurting the sentiments', whilst being farcical, inadvertently acknowledges that the cancellation was not based on cricketing merit, but rather on succumbing to a specific nationalistic narrative. This bias, masquerading as sensitivity, sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.” The WCL addressed.

WCL 2026 starts on October 3 in the UAE, with Pakistan Champions due to face India Champions

The WCL 2026 is set to begin on October 03 and will run for the next 15 days where several former players, including the Australian opener David Warner, India’s Yuvraj Singh, Ab de Villiers, and DJ Bravo will be available. It will begin with the game between India and Australia in Sharjah.

The Indian side will face England at the same venue on October 04 while they are due to face the arch-rivals, Pakistan, on October 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium before facing Bangladesh on October 11 in Sharjah.

The first semifinal of the event will be on October 16 at the same venue, which will also host the second semifinal on the same day. The final will take place on October 17 in Sharjah.