PCB Withdraws Azam Khan's Fine For Display Of Palestine Flag
Azam Khan during National T20 Cup (X.com)
Pakistan cricket is in the news again for all the wrong reasons. This time, the board had come under scanner as they reversed a procedural decision in the aftermath of fans’ public outrage.
In a recent incident, Azam Khan, the hard-hitting batsman, had displayed a small Palestine flag sticker on the lower half of his bat during a domestic match, a gesture aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing humanitarian situation in war-hit Palestine.
Playing for Karachi Whites in the ongoing National T20 Cup, Azam apparently donned the sticker twice before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) caught wind of it.
PCB Backtracks From Decision To Penalise Azam Khan
PCB had initially imposed a fine on Azam Khan for violating the ICC’s code of conduct, which prohibits players from making political statements during matches. ICC disallows players of its member nations to make any political statements through their jerseys or cricketing equipment.
Subsequently, Azam Khan received a 50% match fee fine and a warning to avert a repeat of the incident in the future. However, days later, PCB allegedly revoked the fine.
The move comes in the wake of significant backlash and criticism directed at the PCB for penalizing the player for what many view as a symbolic expression of solidarity. The outraged fans took to social media to express their dissent and called out PCB for controlling its contracted players.
Having said that, PCB, in its statement, announced the withdrawal of the fine. But refused to shed more details on what drove them to reverse the decision. It is also unclear if Azam Khan has received some sort of a warning.
If not, the batter might continue with his actions in the near future. In such a case, the ICC can also step in to protect its integrity and code of conduct. Overall, the situation has turned into a mess after PCB’s dual stance. Hopefully, the board clears its views before situations escalate.
 "Akshita Patel")
