Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the ongoing season of the World Championship of Legends after their demand for a written apology from the Indian players was rejected by the organisers, according to sources. The development comes after the Indian team refused to play against Pakistan last season following the Pahalgam terror attack. The group-stage fixture between the two sides was subsequently cancelled, while Pakistan advanced to the final after being awarded a walkover in the semi-final when the Indian team remained firm on its stance.
As per sources, the PCB agreed to issue NOCs to the players despite its initial reluctance, but sought a written apology from the Indian players over their decision not to take the field against Pakistan last season. The demand was, however, rejected by the WCL organisers. The PCB also sought assurances from the WCL organisers that they would have no objection if the Indian players chose not to participate in the tournament. As a result, Pakistan decided to withdraw from the tournament. Officials stated that Pakistan had pulled out due to unforeseen circumstances.
Last year’s World Championship of Legends turned into more than a cricket story. The India Champions side, packed with familiar names like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa, decided they couldn’t take the field against Pakistan Champions. The terror attack in Pahalgam had left the country raw, and the players declined to play against Pakistan at that moment. So when the semi-final came around, they stayed off the ground, and Pakistan Champions walked into the final without bowling a ball.
It wasn’t the first time the Indian side had pulled out of a match against Pakistan in that tournament. The two sides had initially met in the group stage, but the match was called off after the Indian champions declined to participate.
Pakistan Champions later lost the final to South Africa Champions.