No apology, no handshakes from Indian players: Is this why PCB denied NOCs for WCL?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the Pakistan Champions team for the World Championship of Legends. The refusal stems from a dispute over the PCB's demand for an apology from Indian players regarding past match refusals and mandatory handshakes.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing intersection of geopolitical tensions and international sports, where diplomatic friction directly impacts professional athletic participation.
Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 3 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to issue the required No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding their participation.The withdrawal comes amid a standoff over conditions reportedly put forward by the PCB in connection with last year's controversial India-Pakistan fixtures.As per a PTI report, the board wanted assurances that Indian players would apologise for refusing to play against Pakistan in the 2025 edition and would be willing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The WCL management rejected those demands, leaving the NOC issue unresolved.PCB-WCL standoff ends Pakistan's campaignPakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan had been in discussions with the PCB and had requested the board to reconsider its decision.
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