PCB upset, will take up issue with BCCI

Karachi, February 18

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said it will take up with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) the “regrettable” removal of the pictures of its former players at a couple of venues in India following the Pulwama terror attack, during an ICC meeting this month. In a press statement issued late on Sunday night, PCB’s Managing Director Wasim Khan said sports had always played a key role in defusing political tensions, and hence the removal of pictures was regrettable.

The ICC meeting is scheduled to be held in Dubai from February 28. However, the issue doesn’t feature on the agenda of the meeting, so it’s expected to be raised on the sidelines. “...we have always believed and emphasised that sports and politics should be kept separate. History tells us that sports, particularly cricket, have always played a key role in building bridges between people and countries,” said Khan. “... covering or removing portraits of former Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan and other legendary cricketers from one of the most historic cricket clubs and venues are highly regrettable actions,” he added.

In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai covered a portrait of Imran Khan, while the Punjab Cricket Association removed photographs of Pakistani cricketers from inside the Mohali stadium.

The PCB Managing Director also confirmed that Indian production company IMG Reliance had pulled out of producing the Pakistan Super League matches. “We have been informed by IMG Reliance that they will be unable to partner with us for the remaining PSL 2019...,” Khan said. IMG Reliance had announced its withdrawal as an official production partner for PSL as a mark of protest against the Pulwama attack. — PTI