PCB Intervenes as Pakistan Cricketer Faces Fine over Displaying Palestine Flag on Bat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reversed its decision to impose a fine on batter Azam Khan for displaying the Palestine flag on his bat during a domestic match. During the match between Karachi Whites and Lahore Blues at the National Stadium, Azam Khan’s bat featured the Palestine flag, resulting in a 50% fine on his match fee. However, the PCB later reviewed the matter and waived the penalty imposed by the match officials.

In a statement, the PCB announced, “Azam Khan’s 50% fine imposed by match officials has been reviewed and waived off by the Pakistan Cricket Board.”

The fine was initially imposed on Azam Khan, the wicketkeeper-batter of Karachi Whites, for committing a level-I offense during their National T20 Cup 2023-24 match against Lahore Blues at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Azam was found guilty of violating Article 2.4 of the PCB Code of Conduct For Players and Players Support Personnel, which pertains to the repeated failure to comply with the instructions or directives of an umpire during a match.

According to the ICC code of conduct, players are not allowed to display messages that carry political, religious, or racial activities or causes. The PCB is a signatory to this code, and therefore, Azam’s display of the unapproved logo (Palestine’s flag) on his bat was deemed a breach.

A source close to the board informed Geo News, “The young batter was fined 50% of his match fees. The batter 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 the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also a signatory.”

It was reported that Azam had used the same sticker in the previous two matches but was not informed or warned by the officials prior to Sunday’s match.

The PCB’s decision to fine Azam Khan sparked outrage on social media, with cricket fans and people criticizing the board for imposing the penalty. The match, in which Azam was fined, was televised live, further amplifying the controversy.

Azam Khan, although not a part of the national team since 2021, is a well-known figure in Pakistan cricket due to his big-hitting abilities in the T20 format. He also participates in franchise cricket leagues worldwide.

In a similar incident during the recent ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan had tweeted in support of the Palestinians in Gaza but did not receive any fine from the ICC, as it was considered his personal opinion.

The decision to waive the fine showcases the PCB’s reconsideration of the situation and its understanding of the significance of personal expression within the boundaries of the ICC code of conduct.

[Image Source: NDTV]