Web Desk: A highly anticipated clash between Pakistan Champions and India Champions in the World Championship of Legends has been called off after Pakistan Champions withdrew from the tournament, according to reports.
The two teams were scheduled to meet on Oct. 10 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, Pakistan Champions decided to pull out of the third edition of the competition after the Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly declined to issue no-objection certificates to players taking part in the event.
Pakistan Champions confirmed their withdrawal on Oct. 5, ending their campaign before they could take the field in the tournament.
The team’s problems emerged before the planned Pakistan-India encounter. Pakistan Champions’ opening game against Bangladesh Champions, scheduled for Oct. 3, was postponed.
Organisers initially attributed the delay to technical issues, while subsequent media reports linked the disruption to the reported absence of PCB NOCs for participating Pakistani players.
The uncertainty also affected Pakistan Champions’ scheduled match against Australia Champions on Oct. 5, leaving the team’s participation in the tournament increasingly unclear.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi had been associated with the Pakistan Champions squad and promoted the tournament on social media. However, uncertainty over his participation had already emerged around the team’s opening fixture.
With Pakistan Champions now out of the competition, Afridi will also not feature in the tournament.
Reports said Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan held discussions with PCB officials in an effort to resolve the issue, but the board maintained its position.
The withdrawal is a major setback for Pakistan Champions, who finished runners-up in both previous editions of the World Championship of Legends.
This time, however, the team will not have an opportunity to defend its record on the field. India Champions, meanwhile, began their campaign with a victory over Australia Champions.
The cancellation of the Pakistan-India legends clash is likely to disappoint fans who were looking forward to seeing former stars of the two traditional rivals face each other once again.
Read more: Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Achieves Historic Milestone
