The third edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) concluded successfully in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, despite significant controversy over the participation of Pakistan Champions and changes to the original hosting arrangements.WCL Season 3 featured memorable performances from cricketing legends, including Yuvraj Singh’s explosive half-century for India Champions and AB de Villiers’ remarkable century for South Africa Champions. The tournament culminated in a final between England Champions and West Indies Champions, with West Indies securing the trophy in a repeat of the outcome from a decade earlier.However, the event faced uncertainty, particularly regarding Pakistan Champions’ involvement. On October 2, 2026, during a press conference attended by Bollywood actor and BNW Developments co-founder Vivek Oberoi, BNW founder Ankur Aggarwal, India Champions representative and Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh, and former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja for Australia Champions, Harshit Tomar, founder and CEO of WCL, addressed questions about Pakistan’s participation.Tomar expressed optimism about ongoing discussions with relevant authorities, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating, “We are talking to the right authorities, including the Pakistan Cricket Board. We want good cricket, we want to give fans those nostalgic moments, and we hope everything will be sorted.” Despite these hopes, Pakistan Champions ultimately did not participate in the tournament.Originally planned to be held in both Dubai and Sharjah, WCL Season 3 was consolidated into Sharjah under the permission of the Emirates Cricket Board, increasing operational demands on organisers. The tournament’s move from the United Kingdom to the UAE marked a significant phase in its expansion.WCL management maintained promotion of Pakistan Champions alongside other teams throughout the build-up, reflecting confidence in securing necessary permissions. Speculation about the details of discussions between the PCB and organisers circulated, but no clarifications emerged.Despite this challenge, the tournament proceeded, focusing on the cricket and nostalgic appeal for fans. The event drew considerable interest, with a single match reportedly attracting approximately 43 million views, surpassing average audiences of comparable competitions such as the Lanka Premier League, The Hundred, and Caribbean Premier League.Harshit Tomar encapsulated the tournament’s approach when he said in an interview, “The show must go on.” This resilience ensured that the third season overcame adversity, delivered memorable performances, and crowned a champion, signalling the WCL’s ongoing presence in the cricketing landscape.
West Indies win WCL Season 3 despite Pakistan Champions controversy
