The Pakistan Cycling League (PCL) 2025 has come under heavy scrutiny after serious allegations of alleged mismanagement and unfair practices emerged from within the cycling community.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Gulberg Cycling Club, the organizers of the latest event — Team VC’s Technical Manager, Nosherwan Khawaja, raised a host of concerns over the alleged conduct of the tournament, accusing the organizers of inconsistent rule changes, questionable decision-making, and a lack of transparency.
The controversy has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a landmark event for amateur cycling in Pakistan.
According to Team VC, the issues began long before the riders took to the course. The Technical Guide, a crucial document that outlines the rules and format of the event, was reportedly altered multiple times, creating confusion among participants.
Particularly contentious was the handling of the starting order for the Team Time Trial (TTT). While international UCI rules require a clearly defined and objective system for determining start positions, the organizers initially promised a random draw. However, this plan was scrapped just hours before race day, with a revised system placing the defending champions last.
“The timing of this change — at 9:51 PM the night before the race — effectively removed any opportunity for teams to lodge a protest,” the letter stated.
The drama didn’t end at the start line. The finish saw two teams locked in a neck-and-neck battle, with victory hanging on a margin of fractions of a second. But according to Team VC, the timing system used by the organizers lacked the capability to measure down to hundredths of a second — a standard requirement in high-stakes cycling events.
Critics argued that this went against the spirit of fair competition and established timing protocols.
The confusion continued from there. After the controversial finish, the tournament rules allegedly shifted once again. This time, organizers decided that the overall 2025 Pakistan Cycling League winner would be the team with the most stage wins — a criterion not clearly communicated at the outset.
Another allegation leveled by Team VC was regarding the disqualification of Team Spirit, a side barred from competition for fielding ‘professional’ riders. However, according to Team VC, several other clubs allegedly fielded players with national-level experience without facing similar sanctions.
“This selective application of rules is deeply troubling,” Nosherwan Khawaja wrote. “Cycling in our region is still growing, and if we want to build a culture of fair competition, personal biases must be put aside.”
In closing, Team VC called on the Gulberg Cycling Club and the wider PCL management to reflect seriously on the issues raised, urging them to prioritize fair play, transparency, and respect for all teams if the sport is to grow in Pakistan.