Pakistan Champions Archives

John Hastings approached by anti-corruption unit for 18-ball over against Pakistan

Former Australia pacer John Hastings has disclosed that the anti-corruption unit approached him regarding his bizarre 18-ball over during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 clash against the Pakistan Champions.

A month earlier, during the Australia Champions WCL clash against Pakistan, Hastings bowled an 18-ball over in which he bowled two consecutive sets of five wides and conceded a total of 20 runs.

Due to his over, Pakistan Champions eventually won the match without losing any wickets while chasing a modest total of 75 runs.

Speaking during a recent interview, Hastings shed light on the over and the conversation he had with the anti-corruption unit.

“The anti-corruption guys came up to me and said, ‘gee you put us through a bit of hell last night,” Hastings revealed.

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“He said we had to have a look at it. You missed the pitch on one of your balls. I said, ‘Do you think I’ll be doing any sort of match-fixing or anything like that?” Hastings questioned

“He said ‘No, but we don’t know where you’ve been or what you’ve been doing for the last seven years’. I said, ‘I’m not corrupt’. The Pakistan game, it’s hard to explain,” he said.

The pacer further stated he also deleted his social media following the conclusion of game along with receiving text messages from the cricket fraternity

“I had so many text messages from all the cricket fraternity, but I had also deleted social media for three days straightaway when I came off the field after the Pakistan game. I didn’t want to deal with it,” the 39-year-old said.

“It’s not funny, but it’s one of those you can’t explain when you’re actually bowling. It was hard to take, it was embarrassing, and it was horrendous. But I am back on social media. So, the 1.5 million people who messaged me on Instagram, I’ll reply to you when I can,” John Hastings concluded.

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WCL: Pakistan Champions owner criticizes PCB’s ‘blanket ban’ decision

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan has reacted to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) recent decision, which bars his franchise from using the country’s name in future editions of the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

Khan expressed his disappointment regarding the “blanket ban” announced by the PCB following its 79th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting.

The cricket board released a strong statement on Sunday, criticizing the WCL organizers for their “double standards and politically motivated behavior.”

This decision was made after the India Champions refused to play against the Pakistan Champions during the WCL 2025, due to the ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

India pulled out of two scheduled matches, a group-stage encounter and the high-stakes semi-final, both of which were called off without a ball being bowled.

Points were shared in the group game, while Pakistan advanced to the final via a walkover in the semi-final.

However, the final saw Pakistan Champions fall short once again, suffering a nine-wicket defeat to South Africa Champions, their second successive runners-up finish in the tournament.

Despite the disappointment, Kamil Khan remained upbeat about his side’s overall campaign and strongly defended the team’s identity.

“Just like the first season, Pakistan Champions performed really well in the second season too,” he said while speaking to the media in Birmingham.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t win the final, which we really wanted to, and millions of Pakistanis were hoping for it as well.

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“But the team played well throughout. One bad day doesn’t make a team bad. Losing one final doesn’t mean the Pakistan Champions is over.”

Reacting to the PCB’s ban, Kamil made it clear that his team will return and continue to exist independently of the cricket board’s jurisdiction.

“We’ve seen reports that Pakistan Champions won’t be back, but I don’t know where that’s come from. If it’s from the PCB, then I’m not sure why,” he stated.

“This is our own team. I own it. It’s a private league, and I am the owner. PCB does not own the team. There are so many private leagues around the world; no one can stop us from naming our team after our country. Pakistan is our pride.”

Kamil Khan further revealed that the participation of Pakistani players in WCL 2025 was fully approved by the cricket board, as NOCs were obtained prior to the event.

“We took NOCs from the PCB for all the players,” he shared.

“In fact, we also met with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was supportive and helpful. I’m thankful to him for backing Pakistan Champions.”

He stressed that the team’s name was chosen to represent national pride, not to exploit official branding, and clarified that there was no infringement involved.

“There was no contact from the PCB before or after the tournament,” Kamil said.

“This is our national identity. We named the team accordingly. We didn’t use PCB’s logo or any of their branding, only their players, and that too after securing official clearance.”

READ: Pakistan’s star players join Northern Superchargers for The Hundred 2025

PCB imposes ‘blanket ban’ on future WCL participation

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to impose a ‘blanket ban’ on future participation in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) following the conclusion of the 2025 edition.

The decision came in the wake of the WCL 2025 row, with the board citing double standards and politically motivated conduct by the organizers.

The cricket board took the decision during its 79th BoG meeting held virtually under the chairmanship of Mohsin Naqvi. During the meeting, PCB expressed disappointment over awarding a point to a team that willfully forfeited.

The winners of the inaugural 2024 WCL edition, India Champions, refused to play two games against Pakistan Champions and willfully forfeited one league stage fixture and the all-important semi-final due to the strained ties between both countries.

As a result, during the group stage match, both teams were awarded one point for cancellation. In the semi-final, Pakistan Champions received a walkover, advancing to the final of WCL 2025.

“The PCB has always advocated for the separation of sports and politics. Our unwavering belief is that cricket, like other international sports, should solely serve as a platform for goodwill, healthy competition, and mutual respect,” the board said in a statement.

“For a tournament involving legendary players to be dictated by sentiments that undermine this fundamental principle is not only regrettable but also deeply concerning for the future of independent sporting events,” it added.

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Additionally, the board condemned the press release issued by the WCL following the cancellation of the Pakistan-India legends match, terming it a biased and politically charged document.

“The championship’s purpose was compromised by political influence,” the PCB noted. “The press release was nothing short of a manifestation of prejudice.”

“The WCL’s subsequent apology appeared to be issued under the pressure of a particular form of nationalism,” the statement added, calling such double standards unacceptable in international sports.

Consequently, the PCB has formally decided not to send its team to future editions of the WCL, stating it will not take part in any event that has been politically compromised.

The virtual BoG meeting was attended by COO Sumair Ahmed Syed, CEO PSL Salman Naseer, Zaheer Abbas, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, and Zafarullah Jadgal.

Tanveer Ahmed, Tariq Sarwar, Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Anwaar Ahmad Khan, Adnan Malik, Usman Wahla (special invitee), and Mir Hassan Naqvi (Additional Secretary) were also present in the meeting.

READ: AB De Villiers-led South Africa Champions thump Pakistan to lift WCL 2025 title

Shahid Afridi opens up on his availability for WCL 2025 final

Pakistan Champions all-rounder Shahid Afridi has confirmed that he will not feature in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 against South Africa, scheduled to take place later today at Edgbaston.

The veteran all-rounder has not played a single match in the tournament due to fitness concerns.

Despite his absence on the field, the team has performed impressively, remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage and reaching the final after India Champions forfeited their semi-final clash.

Fans were hoping to see Afridi in action during the final. However, during a press conference in Manchester, the star all-rounder revealed that doctors advised him not to play.

“The doctor has advised me to rest, so I won’t be playing the final,” he said, adding that he had hoped to make a comeback if Pakistan had played India in the semi-final.

“My heart wanted to play, especially if that semi-final had happened. Maybe I would’ve pushed through the pain.”

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Despite being sidelined, Shahid Afridi has been actively involved in the team’s preparations and mentoring the squad.

“I motivate the boys, remind them of their responsibility. I help arrange nets and practice sessions. That’s my contribution off the field,” he said with a smile.

Shahid Afridi also praised the team’s collective mindset, highlighting that playing for Pakistan remains their sole focus.

“We are here only for Pakistan. This green jersey is our pride, and we will give our best effort in the final, Insha’Allah,” he said. “All the boys trained hard and are match-ready.”

“Every senior here is serious about his performance. This isn’t a small league. When Pakistan’s name is involved, the intensity naturally rises.”

READ: Mohammad Hafeez provides update on Shahid Afridi’s availability for WCL 2025 final

Mohammad Hafeez provides update on Shahid Afridi’s availability for WCL 2025 final

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions captain Mohammad Hafeez on Friday provided an update on ace all-rounder Shahid Afridi ahead of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final against South Africa.

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who is part of the Pakistan Champions squad, is yet to feature in a match due to fitness concerns.

Speaking during a media interaction ahead of the WCL 2025 final, Hafeez rued Afridi’s absence, hinting at his inclusion for the summit clash tomorrow.

“It is very unfortunate regarding him that he is still not feeling very well, but today I’m really happy that he tried his level best. He is trying every day, but if we feel that we can get an impactful contribution from him, then we will definitely consider him,” he said.

The Pakistan Champions remained unbeaten throughout the league stage fixtures, topping the points table. Green Shirts advanced to the final for the second time in the event’s history after the India Champions’ forfeiture.

“First of all, I am really proud of the efforts from each and every one during our campaign, Mohammad Hafeez stated while praising the team spirit.

Every player took responsibility and followed three important points, which were integrity, respect, and the spirit of the game. We hit all of them,” he added.

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Hafeez, who himself had a decent run with the bat, highlighted the challenge players faced and praised everyone for their contribution.

“We played excellent cricket throughout the tournament, and it was by no means fun cricket. It was very demanding, and everyone was very focused on delivering,” Hafeez said in a lighthearted manner.

One question regarding the playing XI, Hafeez said, they will finalize the lineup after assessing the conditions.

“Look, we did not assess the conditions yet. We’ll analyse the provided conditions tomorrow, and since all of our players are ready, so we will field our best composition,” Hafeez concluded.

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WCL 2025: Pakistan Champions owner comments on India’s withdrawal from semi-final

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan has expressed his views on India Champions’ decision to forfeit the semi-final clash against arch-rival in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Speaking in an interview with a private channel, Kamil lauded Pakistan Champions’ performance and highlighted Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the tournament.

“There’s no regret about playing the semifinal because of the way our team had been performing and the kind of cricket we played — we remained unbeaten in the league matches,” he said.

“The semifinal was a tough game, but we weren’t concerned about the opposition because our goal was to reach the final and win the trophy. So it didn’t matter to us who we were going to face or how the semifinal would turn out,” Kamil added.

He commented on WCL giving Pakistan a walkover over the defending champions, stating that they deserved the outcome.

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“If we are advancing to the final via a walkover, it’s the result of the team’s collective hard work. Given the way the team has performed, we fully deserve to be in the final,” he concluded.

Earlier, the WCL released an official statement about India Champions’ forfeit in the semi-final against Pakistan.

“At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. However, public sentiment must always be respected – after all, everything we do is for our audience,” the official statement read.

“We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete.

The statement came at a time when there were questions arising over the clash between arch-rivals due to strained ties between the two neighbouring nations.

The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions was scheduled to take place in Birmingham.

Two weeks ago, India Champions, who were also the reigning champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan, resulting in one point awarded to both teams.

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Pakistan advance to WCL 2025 final following India’s withdrawal

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions have advanced to the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 after India Champions forfeited their semi-final clash against arch-rival, which was scheduled for tomorrow.

The WCL released an official statement about India Champions’ forfeit in the semi-final against Pakistan.

The statement further respected India’s decision of withdrawal, along with Pakistan Champions’ willingness to compete in the tournament.

“We respect the India Champions’ decision to withdraw from the semi-finals, and we equally respect the Pakistan Champions’ readiness to compete.

Taking all factors into consideration, the match between the India Champions and the Pakistan Champions has been called off. As a result, Pakistan Champions will advance to the final,” it added.

Earlier, it was reported that several Indian players were reluctant to play the match against Pakistan.

The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions was scheduled to take place in Birmingham.

Two weeks ago, India Champions, who are also the reigning champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan, resulting in one point awarded to both teams.

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India Champions WCL campaign started poorly, finding themselves at the bottom of the points table. Nevertheless, they managed to qualify for the semi-final after taking down West Indies in a thrilling chase.

The Men in Blue successfully chased down the target of 145 runs in just 14 overs to qualify, largely thanks to Stuart Binny’s half-century and Yousuf Pathan’s crucial innings.

On the other hand, Pakistan Champions, who were the runners-up of the last edition, remained dominant throughout the league stage fixtures, winning all of their games and finishing at the top of the points table.

Pakistan Champions routed Australia Champions for 74 runs in the WCL 2025 last league game, thanks to Saeed Ajmal’s explosive six-wicket haul.

Consequently, Pakistan Champions chased down the target without losing any wickets, finishing the match in the eighth over.

READ: Shahid Afridi trolls India Champions ahead of WCL 2025 semi-final

Shahid Afridi trolls India Champions ahead of WCL 2025 semi-final

BIRMINGHAM: Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi has taken a cheeky dig at India Champions ahead of the highly-stakes semi-final against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Speaking during a media interaction, Afridi commented on the clash between the two arch-rivals in the semi-final.

“Pakistan has reached the semi-final. Look at our ages; we have reached the semifinals. With what face will India play a semi-final against Pakistan?” Shahid Afridi remarked.

Uncertainty looms over the WCL 2025 clash between arch-rivals as several Indian players are reportedly reluctant to play the match against Pakistan, according to Indian media reports on Wednesday.

The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Birmingham.

Two weeks ago, India Champions, who are also the reigning champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan, resulting in one point awarded to both teams.

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If the India Champions decide to withdraw from the semi-final, Pakistan will advance to the final of the WCL 2025. Meanwhile, the tournament officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding this situation.

The Men in Blue successfully chased down the target of 145 runs in just 14 overs to qualify, largely thanks to Stuart Binny’s half-century and Yousuf Pathan’s crucial innings.

Pakistan Champions routed Australia Champions for 74 runs in the WCL 2025 last league game, thanks to Saeed Ajmal’s explosive six-wicket haul.

Consequently, Pakistan Champions chased down the target without losing any wickets, finishing the match in the eighth over.

READ: India set to boycott WCL 2025 semi-final clash with Pakistan: reports

India set to boycott WCL 2025 semi-final clash with Pakistan: reports

BIRMINGHAM: Tensions between two neighbouring nations on the cricket field have flared up again as India has reportedly refused to play against Pakistan in the forthcoming semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, according to Indian media reports.

The high-stakes semi-final between the Pakistan Champions and the India Champions is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Birmingham.

However, according to Indian media sources, Indian players have decided to not participate in the match.

Two weeks ago, the India Champions, who are also the defending champions, refused to play a group stage fixture against Pakistan. As a result, one point was awarded to both teams.

If India Champions withdraws from the semi-final, Pakistan will advance to the final of the WCL 2025.

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Meanwhile, the tournament officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the India-Pakistan semi-final.

India Champions WCL campaign started on a poor note, and despite languishing at the bottom of the points table, they managed to qualify for the semi-final. They defeated the West Indies Champions in a thrilling chase to set up a showdown against Pakistan.

The Men in Blue were required to chase down the target of 145 runs in only 14.1 overs to qualify, and they did so, thanks to Stuart Binny’s half-century and Yousuf Pathan’s cameo.

Pakistan Champions, who were the runners-up of the last edition, remained dominant throughout the league stage fixtures, winning all of their games and finishing at the top of the points table.

Pakistan Champions routed Australia Champions for 74 runs in WCL 2025 last league game, thanks to Saeed Ajmal’s explosive six-wicket haul.

Consequently, Pakistan Champions chased down the target without losing any wickets in the eighth over of the match.

READ: Pakistan likely to miss out on cricket event at 2028 Olympics: reports

WATCH: Australia pacer bowls 18-ball over against Pakistan in WCL 2025

LEICESTER: Former Australia pacer John Hastings had a bizarre outing in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, bowling an 18-ball over that helped Pakistan Champions coast to victory at Grace Road on Tuesday.

Chasing just 75 for victory, Pakistan openers Sharjeel Khan (32*) and Sohaib Maqsood (28*) made light work of the modest target, but the headline moment came when Hastings came on to bowl his first over.

The 39-year-old sent down 12 wides and a no-ball in an over that saw him switch sides, try both over and round the wicket, and still struggle to find control.

His over included five legal deliveries, with the rest all extras, mostly wide balls that were well outside the reach of the batters.

Earlier, Pakistan had bundled out Australia for just 74 in 11.5 overs after electing to field.

Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan removed the openers before Saeed Ajmal ran through the middle and lower order with an outstanding spell of 3.5-0-16-6. Imad Wasim provided able support with 2-11 in three overs.

Australia’s innings never really took off. Ben Dunk (26) and Callum Ferguson (10) were the only batters to reach double figures. Such was the collapse that Australia lost their last eight wickets for just 25 runs in 39 balls.

In the second innings, John Hastings, who had come on as a substitute for Chris Lynn, was handed the ball when Pakistan needed only 20 runs in seven overs.

But the over turned into a comedy of errors, including five consecutive wides to start and three more later after he tried switching to round the wicket.

The over ended with Pakistan comfortably reaching the target.

Hastings’ outing was best summed up by the numbers: 18 balls, 12 wides, 1 no-ball, and just 5 legal deliveries.

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