PCB fines Azam Khan 50% of match fees for sporting Palestine’s flag on his bat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) fined Azam Khan 50% of match fees for sporting Palestine’s flag on his bat during the National T20 Cup match against the Lahore Blues.

Middle-order batter Azam Khan playing for Karachi Whites displayed Palestine’s flag on his bat during the National T20 game.

During the match between Azam’s Karachi Whites and Lahore Blues, Azam Khan was earlier warned by the referee not to display the unapproved logo on his bat as it would be a breach of the ICC’s code of conduct. 

Khan has been fined for breaching clothing and equipment regulations (displaying unapproved logo/political messaging).

Strict action was taken against the batsman for breaching clothing and equipment regulations (displaying unapproved logos/political messaging).

“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,” a source close to the board told Geo News.

PCB is being criticised by cricket fans for its decision on social media.

However, PCB being a signatory to ICC’s regulations and the match in question was being broadcast on television, PCB opted to do this.

Azam had the same stickers on his bat in previous games (which was a non-broadcast), and no action was taken earlier.

All official cricket, governed by the cricket boards including domestic and league matches, have to follow ICC guidelines on certain things.

That’s the issue, whether Pakistan cricket fans like it or not.

Fans slam PCB for slapping a fine on Azam Khan for supporting Palestine: