India Champions will take on defending champions South Africa Champions at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, October 10, after Pakistan Champions’ withdrawal from the World Championship of Legends (WCL) prompted organisers to revise the UAE tournament schedule.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm UAE time. It replaces the India-Pakistan fixture that had been planned for the same date, removing one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters from the calendar.
Pakistan Champions withdrew from WCL Season 3 on October 5 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) maintained its refusal to issue the No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) required for the team’s players to participate. The withdrawal left organisers with a six-team competition and required changes to the remaining fixtures.
Why Pakistan Champions withdrew from WCL 2026
The withdrawal followed a dispute that carried over from the previous edition of the tournament in 2025, when India Champions declined to play their scheduled matches against Pakistan Champions amid heightened political tensions between the two countries.
According to reports published by Indian media outlets, the PCB sought assurances from the WCL organisers over the handling of the previous controversy, including demands linked to an apology from Indian players. The organisers and the PCB did not reach an agreement that would allow Pakistan Champions to participate.
Pakistan Champions subsequently confirmed that they would not take part in the ongoing competition, bringing an end to uncertainty surrounding the team’s participation.
The absence also affected Pakistan’s other scheduled fixtures. Its opening game against Bangladesh Champions had been postponed, while the planned meeting with Australia Champions was also disrupted.
India face the defending WCL champions
South Africa Champions will provide India with a different challenge from the one originally expected on October 10.
South Africa won the 2025 WCL title after defeating Pakistan Champions in the final. The team enters the Sharjah contest as defending champions, while India Champions won the inaugural edition in 2024.
India began their 2026 campaign with a victory over Australia Champions before suffering a defeat against England Champions. The match against South Africa therefore offers India another opportunity to strengthen their position in the competition.
South Africa were also scheduled to face Australia Champions on October 9, ahead of their meeting with India the following evening.
The revised fixture places two previous WCL title-winning sides against each other, giving the contest significance beyond its role as a replacement for the cancelled India-Pakistan match.
Sharjah becomes the focus of the revised schedule
The revised arrangement places the remaining WCL matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, according to the schedule reported on October 9.
For spectators in the UAE, the India-South Africa match is scheduled as the sole fixture on Saturday, with a 7.30pm start. Fans should check the tournament organiser’s latest announcements for ticketing, entry arrangements and any further scheduling updates before travelling to the venue.
Pakistan’s departure has changed the shape of the competition, but the tournament will continue with six participating teams.
The immediate focus now shifts to Sharjah, where India Champions will face the reigning titleholders rather than their traditional rivals.
Q1. Who will India Champions play on October 10, 2026?
India Champions will play South Africa Champions at Sharjah Cricket Stadium after Pakistan Champions withdrew from WCL Season 3.
Q2. What time does India vs South Africa Champions start?
The match is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm UAE time on October 10, 2026.
Q3. Why was the India-Pakistan WCL match cancelled?
Pakistan Champions withdrew from the tournament after the PCB maintained its refusal to issue the required player NOCs. Their withdrawal removed the scheduled India-Pakistan fixture.
Q4. Where will the India-South Africa WCL match take place?
The match is scheduled for Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, UAE.
Q5. Who are the defending WCL champions?
South Africa Champions won the 2025 edition after defeating Pakistan Champions in the final.
Q6. How many teams remain in WCL 2026?
The competition is continuing with six teams following Pakistan Champions’ withdrawal.
Q7. Did India Champions win their opening WCL 2026 match?
Yes. India Champions opened their campaign with a victory against Australia Champions before losing to England Champions.
Q8. Why did Pakistan Champions withdraw from WCL 2026?
The immediate reason was the unresolved NOC issue with the PCB. Reports linked the dispute to disagreements over the handling of India-Pakistan matches during the 2025 tournament.
