The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its displeasure over reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked the ICC members to withdraw their retired cricketers from the Kashmir Premier League (KPL).
“The PCB considers that the BCCI has brought the game into disrepute by issuing warnings to multiple ICC Members to stop their retired cricketers from featuring in the Kashmir Premier League, further threatening they will not be allowed entry into India for cricket-related work,” PCB said in a statement.
“Such conduct from the BCCI is completely unacceptable, against the preamble of the Spirit of Cricket and sets a dangerous precedent, which can neither be tolerated nor ignored,” it further added.
The PCB has further stated that it will raise the matter at the “appropriate” ICC forum.
“The PCB will raise this matter at the appropriate ICC forum and also reserves the right to take any further action that is available to us within the ICC charter,” PCB said.
PCB's statement comes after a former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs alleged that the BCCI is trying to prevent him from playing the KPL.
The tournament comprises six teams, Overseas Warriors, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Rawalakot Hawks, Bagh Stallions, Mirpur Royals and Kotli Lions.
Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal would be leading their respective sides.
There are some prominent former players such as Matt Prior, Dilshan, Monty Panesar who are going to be a part of this competition. The teams will also have at least five players from the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) in the line up.