The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a total ban on its players competing in future editions of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) on Sunday, 3 August 2025, stating "bias" for the organizers and a lack of sporting integrity. The decision came in the aftermath of India's forfeiture of both the group-stage match and semifinal clash against Pakistan, which the PCB claims were unjustly awarded in India’s favor. The board voiced its discontent following a virtual board of governors meeting chaired by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.

In its official statement, the PCB criticized the WCL for rewarding points to India despite its voluntary withdrawal, terming the decision "tainted with hypocrisy and bias." The statement further noted, “The PCB reviewed with considerable disappointment WCL's appalling conduct of awarding points to a willfully forfeiting team,” and expressed concern over press releases by the WCL that allegedly favored a "specific nationalistic narrative." The Indian squad comprising Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh had refused to play Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Pakistan, as a result of the forfeiture, advanced directly to the WCL final. However, the PCB declared that the tournament's decisions were driven not by cricketing merit but by political sentiment. “The cancellation was not based on cricketing merit but on appeasing a specific nationalistic narrative,” the board said. It warned that such bias “sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community.”

PCB slams “farcical” WCL apology, cites compromised neutrality

While the WCL organizers, co-owned by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, issued a public apology, saying, “We sincerely apologize again for hurting the sentiments,” the PCB rejected the gesture outright. “The WCL's apology… whilst being farcical, inadvertently acknowledges that the cancellation was not based on cricketing merit,” the PCB said. It argued that the decision to cancel the games reflected external political influence, cloaked in the name of sensitivity.

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The board concluded that it had no option but to implement a permanent ban, stating, “The PCB can no longer condone participation in an event where the fundamental principles of fair play and unbiased administration are compromised.” Sources close to the matter revealed that WCL’s Indian promoters had already been contemplating dropping the Pakistan team from future editions.

Cricket is set to relive its golden days as the World Championship of Legends (WCL) returns with even greater fervor. Among the highlights of Season 2 is the much-anticipated return of some of England’s most iconic cricketing figures—Eoin Morgan, Sir Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, and Ian Bell—who will don the jersey of the England Champions. These legends, as part of England's cricketing greatness over the years, are about to bring their experience and magic to the shortest format once again.

The England Champions team is supported by the likes of Liam Plunkett, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, and Chris Tremlett—all of whom, in addition to experience, possess the potent combination of tactical thinking and match-winning ability. Speaking on this exciting return, former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan shared, “Leading England to World Cup glory was a defining moment in my career—but playing in WCL with legends I've shared the field with is a different kind of pride. We're bringing back memories and making new ones. England Champions are here to compete, entertain, and win.”

Adding to the enthusiasm, Praveen Sharma, Owner of England Champions, remarked, "We're proud to field a team that defines English cricket's golden era. These legends shaped an entire generation of cricket, and now, they're back on home soil—where it all began. We're here to win and to inspire." His sentiments echoed the larger purpose of this league: to honor cricketing excellence while entertaining fans across the globe.

Edgbaston to Host England’s Finest Once Again

Stuart Cain, Chief Executive of Edgbaston, emphasized the significance of the moment: “Having legends like Morgan, Cook, Moeen, and Bell back at Edgbaston is special—not just for fans but for the spirit of the game. This is more than nostalgia. It's about celebrating greatness and bringing world-class cricket back to where it belongs. We're thrilled to be part of WCL's journey again.”

See Also: ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 3: Major highlights and key performances

Founder & CEO of the World Championship of Legends, Harshit Tomar, added, “WCL isn't just another T20 league—it’s where stories are retold and legends relive their prime. England Champions brings together names that changed the face of English cricket. With Morgan and Cook leading the charge, this team is among the strongest and most exciting of the tournament.” Sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, the WCL stands as a unique celebration of cricket’s finest stars, rekindling memories and reigniting rivalries.

England Champions Squad for WCL 2025:

Ian Bell, Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan, and Moeen Ali, alongside Samit Patel, Ajmal Shahzad, Stuart Meaker, Chris Tremlett, and Usman Afzaal. Additionally, the team features Mustard Phillips, Ryan Sidebottom, Ravi Bopara, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Liam Plunkett, and Tim Ambrose.

ENGLAND CHAMPIONS SQUAD FOR WCL.

- World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan and Sir Alastair Cook are part of it. pic.twitter.com/0He0VumAre

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 23, 2025

Manasi Joshi, a top para-badminton champion, openly criticized Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina for their lack of awareness and sensitivity in a video they posted. She stressed the need to understand and respect the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina, former India cricketers, are facing backlash after Manasi Joshi accused them of mocking the way people with disabilities walk.

Manasi, a former world no. 1 in her SL3 badminton category, called out the cricketers for their insensitive Instagram reel posted after their win against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends tournament.

Harbhajan shared a video on Sunday showing the ex-India players limping and dancing to the Bollywood song “Tauba Tauba” after the match. India Champions, led by Ambati Rayudu’s 50 run performance, chased a 157 run target in the final over.

“Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket. Every part of the body is sore,” Harbhajan wrote.

The controversial reel

Joshi, an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, expressed her disappointment and anger over the insensitive content.

Manasi Joshi’s advocacy and response

“Wanted more responsibility from the stars that you all are, please do not mock at the gait patterns of people with disabilities. This isn’t funny.

“You don’t know how much harm your behaviour can do. The appreciation you’re getting from people around is appalling to see. This reel of yours is going to encourage that it is ok to make fun of the walking patterns of people with disabilities for a few laughs. More young children with disabilities will be bullied by using this reel. If any of you athletes would have done responsible community service in disability space area, you all would not have come up with this reel. I’m scared how the PR agencies of these athletes approved this reel for public platform,” Manasi wrote

“This isn’t legendary if you’re mocking the gait patterns of people with polio. This will enable bullying on young children with disabilities in India,” Manasi added.