Sports

Fans slam PCB over fining Azam Khan for supporting Palestine

Published

12 months ago

Farwa

Cricket fans expressed their anger over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on social media over its decision to slap batter Azam Khan with a fine for displaying the Palestinian flag on his bat during the ongoing National T20 Cup.

The wicketkeeper batter has been asked to give up 50% of his match fees for breaching clothing and equipment regulations (displaying an unapproved logo/political messaging) in a match on Sunday in Karachi.

The flamboyant batter, who is presenting Karachi Whites, scored 35 against Lahore Blues during the match. After the match, the batter was summoned by match referee Mohammad Javed and was informed of the fine.

Sources privy to the matter confirmed to Geo News that the young batter was fined 50% of his match fees. He was earlier warned by the referee not to display the unapproved logo (Palestine’s flag) on his bat as it would be a breach of the ICC code of conduct, of which PCB is also a signatory.

Azam had, according to sources, informed the referee that all of his bats had the same stickers.

The ICC regulation for clothing and equipment states that players shall not be allowed to display messages that carry political, religious, or racial activities or causes.

Sources confirmed that Azam had the same sticker on his bat during two previous games of the National T20 Cup. However, no one had warned him before Sunday’s game.

In October, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, several Pakistani players showed their firm support for Palestinians suffering at the hands of Israel.

Indian fans and cricket experts had raised questions on the players’ constant support for Palestine on their social media channels, asking the cricket’s governing body whether such moves were allowed in the tournament.

At that time, the PCB had rejected the objections over players’ conduct saying: “The team’s expression of solidarity was a personal decision.”

But the PCB’s decision to penalise the batter has left the netizens angry who have slammed the cricket authorities.

However, it is important to clarify here that during the 10-team tournament, the cricketers posted statements and pictures on their social media channels.

The ICC code is meant for on-field activities and off-the-ground actions are beyond their scope.

Here’s how the social media users have reacted:

When your own board is imposing fines for showing support for Palestine and you expect the enemy to show respect. Hypocrites everywhere #ShameOnPCB pic.twitter.com/NLvyY2xdxu
— Dr Kashif💉🩺 (@kashi_if) November 27, 2023

Disappointed with @TheRealPCB's decision penalizing #AzamKhan for a simple act of solidarity by putting a Palestine sticker on his bat. Pakistan claims to be an Islamic Republic, yet stifles its own players from expressing support for Palestine? Where's the justice?#ShameOnPCB pic.twitter.com/0eiv4dvdWF
— Ali Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@alinawaz__arain) November 27, 2023

Azam Khan has been fined for putting a #Palestinian flag on his bat during a domestic match. I wonder why @TheRealPCBMedia did this. #PSL2024 #ShameOnYouZaka #ShameOnPCB
We are Proud of you Azam Khan #Palestine #IsraeliNewNazism #PalestinaLivre pic.twitter.com/aQ80bzM2XC
— Khurram🇵🇰 (@KhurramRANA21) November 26, 2023

Do it again Azam Khan I'm with you pic.twitter.com/BhjNXgTZHf
— 𝗭𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗔 🏏🇵🇰 (@ItxmeZuni) November 26, 2023

Latest News

Sumair Ahmad is named the 2025 Champions Trophy Director by PCB.

Published

1 day ago

Farwa

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi commented on the appointment, saying, “Sumair is a highly organized professional with a wealth of administrative expertise.” He will undoubtedly give players, officials, and fans alike an amazing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially when combined with his unshakable love for cricket.

He continued, “The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s renowned hospitality and passion for the game.”

The BCCI informed the ICC earlier this month that it will not be sending a side to the event, which is set for 2025 in Pakistan during the February–March season.

After the PCB asked for clarity in its letter regarding the BCCI’s unwillingness to tour Pakistan, the ICC requested India’s justifications for not inviting Pakistan to compete for the Champions Trophy.

The broadcasters, meanwhile, reportedly pushed the ICC to make the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule available right away.

Due to the Indian government’s refusal to send a delegation to Pakistan for the event, the schedule that was supposed to be issued on November 12 was postponed.

The broadcasting rights, which were given to broadcasters for a record $3 billion until 2027, are heavily dependent on the success of the main events, especially those involving India and Pakistan, which regularly attract the largest audiences.

Latest News

India withdraws from the World Cup of Blind T20 Cricket in Pakistan

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

Adding to the issue surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian government refused to allow their squad to travel to Pakistan for the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup, which is set to start in Lahore on November 23.

According to Indian media, India, the reigning champion, would not go to Pakistan to play in the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 since the government has not given its approval.

Lahore and Multan are set to host the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 from November 23 to December 3.

The general secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), Sailendra Yadav, recently discussed the upsetting news about the blind cricket team’s upcoming trip to Pakistan in an interview with India Today.

The team was given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Sports Ministry, but the Ministry of External Affairs finally refused to allow them to enter the border, Yadav revealed.

Yadav stated, “We have been waiting for the government to give us permission to travel to Pakistan for the past 25 days.”

“We will not be receiving any authorization to travel to Pakistan, and we can cancel your tournament,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed us over the phone.

Latest News

Aaqib Javed designated as interim head coach for white-ball formats of Pakistan

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the hiring of former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Throughout this period, Aaqib will maintain his role as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee and will be allocated more responsibilities upon the completion of the eight-team tournament.

The PCB will commence the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, with the objective of finalising the appointment before the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place from 19 February to 9 March.

The white-ball coaching position became available with Gary Kirsten’s departure last month, prior to the current tour of Australia.

In Kirsten’s absence, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie led the team during the tour of Australia and will now return for the forthcoming two-Test series in South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s team is set to compete in three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe from November 24 to December 5, followed by an equal number of white-ball matches in South Africa from December 10 to 22.

Prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from February 8 to 14.

Aaqib Javed had considerable coaching expertise, having formerly held the position of Pakistan’s bowling coach during their triumphant ICC T20 World Cup campaign in 2009. Earlier this year, he served as the bowling coach for the Sri Lanka men’s squad.

Before that, he managed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in achieving ODI status and qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia during his term as head coach.

Additionally, the right-arm fast bowler served as the coach of Pakistan’s Under-19 squad during their victory in the U19 World Cup in 2004.