PCB responds to India Champions' boycott in WCL, bans the use of name 'Pakistan' in private leagues: Report

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The Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board has insisted only they have the right to the term 'Pakistan', meaning teams outside their ambit cannot claim to represent the nation. AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken strict action in the aftermath of the controversy that has engulfed the ongoing World Championship of Legends, reportedly banning the use of the name 'Pakistan' for teams in private leagues going forward.

The decision comes after the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team boycotted both of their matches against Pakistan Champions in the second edition of WCL in England, including their semi-final meeting that was scheduled to take place on Thursday.

According to Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB has objected to the name 'Pakistan Champions' as their match against 'India Champions' portrays the contest as an official game of cricket between India and Pakistan. The report adds that the decision was taken at a board meeting on Thursday, with senior PCB officials feeling India's boycott damaged Pakistan's image.

"The decision was taken after a detailed discussion in the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday.

"The high-level authorities felt Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in the WCL's second edition twice is hurtful to the name of the country," sources were quoted as saying in the report.

The Mohsin Naqvi-led board added that only they have exclusive right to the name 'Pakistan', and teams that do not fall within their ambit could not claim to represent the country.

"All private organisations will face legal action in case they use Pakistan's name. PCB has the sole right to allow its use for cricket events if it finds the authenticity of the League and the organisation as reputable," added the source.

The ban however, does not cover the ongoing edition of the WCL, in which the Shoaib Malik-led Pakistan Champions are set to face AB de Villiers' South Africa Champions in the final.

While the Pakistanis had progressed to the final thanks to the Indian team's boycott, the Proteas defeating the Brett Lee-led Australia Champions by one run in the other semi-final to advance to the summit clash.