Why Has PCB Imposed a Blanket Ban on Future Participation in WCL?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PCB bans future participation in WCL.
- Accusations of hypocrisy and bias from WCL.
- PCB prioritizes fair play and sporting neutrality.
- India Legends' withdrawal influenced PCB's decision.
- Significant figures participated in the virtual meeting.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) The Pakistan Cricket Board has declared a comprehensive ban on future involvement in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). According to the governing body of Pakistan cricket, WCL's recent statement and actions, especially after India Legends' withdrawal from the semi-final against Pakistan, were labeled as 'hypocritical and biased.'
During the PCB's 79th Board of Governors meeting, held online under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, the board expressed significant disappointment regarding WCL's questionable conduct in awarding points to a team that deliberately forfeited, and the nature of the press releases from WCL that announced the cancellation of the scheduled matches between India and Pakistan legends, which were also deemed hypocritical and biased.
The press releases indicated a dual approach where the idea of 'peace through sport' was selectively utilized, leading to the conclusion that sporting events are manipulated for political gains and narrow commercial interests.
In light of these unfortunate circumstances, which reveal a clear and unacceptable pattern of external influence and a lack of respect for sporting neutrality, the Pakistan Cricket Board felt it necessary to take a strong position. The PCB can no longer support participation in an event where the essential principles of fair play and unbiased governance are undermined by external factors,” stated the PCB.
Numerous Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, had expressed their unwillingness to face Pakistan in Birmingham during the league stage of the tournament. The two teams were expected to meet again in the semi-finals, but team India ultimately decided to withdraw from the match.
The PCB’s virtual Board of Governors meeting included Sumair Ahmed Syed, Salman Naseer, Zaheer Abbas, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Zafarullah Jadgal, Tanveer Ahmed, Tariq Sarwar, Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Anwaar Ahmad Khan, Adnan Malik, Usman Wahla (special invitee), and Mir Hassan Naqvi (Additional Secretary).