The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a sweeping ban on the use of the name “Pakistan” by teams in private cricket leagues, following the recent controversy in the World Championships of Legends (WCL) 2025 where Indian players twice refused to play against the “Pakistan Champions” team . In response, the PCB convened an urgent Board of Directors meeting, during which officials voiced concerns that such incidents damage the nation's cricket reputation .

Under the new policy, no private organization can use the country’s name for a team or tournament without explicit board sanction . Violators may face legal action, and future approvals will depend on the credibility and reputation of the organizing body .

Notably, the current Pakistan Legends side is still permitted to play the WCL final - this will be the last exception, as the ban takes effect from the next edition . The decision came after an advisory from Pakistan’s Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Committee and government bodies urging tighter control over national identity in unofficial sporting events .

This move is positioned as a proactive step to protect national integrity, prevent misappropriation of the country's name in unregulated tournaments, and ensure political neutrality in private cricket ventures.