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Pakistan champions have reportedly been humiliated ahead of the third season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Pakistani cricketers will reportedly not be allowed to participate in the upcoming Championship of Legends 2026 (WCL 2026).
The development comes just days before WCL 2026, set to begin in the UAE on October 3. There are so many influential figures from India in the league, and they don’t want any controversy this season. Amid this, ICC ODI World Cup 2027 schedule announcement date revealed.
Pakistan Champions barred from World Championship of Legends 2026
Pakistan Champions were originally part of the World Championship of Legends 2026 plans and were scheduled to face India Champions on October 10 in Dubai, and even they were set to face Bangladesh in their opening fixture on October 3 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
As reported by the Daily Independent, Pakistan champions are now barred from taking part in the upcoming WCL 2026. No team will be ‘permitted to use Pakistan’s name’ in the tournament, assumingly given the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.
However, the sources have not revealed the exact reason, but it is being said that India Champions’ refusal to play against Pakistan Champions during last year’s edition of the tournament played a key role in the decision taken by the authorities and stakeholders.
WCL 2026 schedule set for change after Pakistan Champions' removal
WCL Season 3 is scheduled from October 3 to October 18 across Sharjah and Dubai. Bangladesh champions are making their debut in the tournament, joining India champions, South African champions, Australian champions, English champions, and West Indian champions.
The opening day is scheduled to feature India champions against Australia champions at 5 PM IST. Read Also: WPL 2027 Retentions: Full list of players retained by all Women's Premier League teams.
Now, it remains to be seen which game would replace Pakistan's champions' opening clash with Bangladesh's champions on the same day that was scheduled to play in the evening in Sharjah.
Big names set to feature in WCL 2026
The World Championship of Legends brings together retired international cricketers and global franchise stars under their national colors. Yuvraj Singh, David Warner, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Moeen Ali are among the big names expected to feature in WCL 2026.
India Champions won the first edition in 2024, while South Africa Champions defeated Pakistan Champions in the 2025 final to become the defending champions in the last edition.
Harshit Tomar and Ajay Devgn promise a big and special Season 3
Earlier, WCL founder and CEO Harshit Tomar said Season 3 will once again bring the legendary players back together. He also said that hosting the tournament in the UAE will make the 2026 season special.
Tomar had stated, “Season 3 is about bringing the biggest rivalries and the biggest legends back together. We have an incredible line-up and a schedule packed with matches that fans will instantly connect with. Taking WCL to the UAE makes this season even more special, and we are excited to give fans a month of unforgettable cricket and entertainment.”
On the other hand, WCL co-owner Ajay Devgn believes the league is much more than just a cricket league. He said the tournament brings together emotion, nostalgia, and entertainment, with Season 3 expected to be the biggest and boldest edition of the competition.
