The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises are once again at crossroads and this time, over the concept of introducing a code of conduct.

In order to preserve the image of the board, PCB has decided to impose a code of conduct upon all players - especially former cricketers - which will restrict them from publicly maligning the PCB or stating negative remarks in public.

The franchise owners were of the opinion that how can they impose a restriction on legendary players like Wasim Akram in regards to what they can publicly state or not.

PCB Director Media, Sami Ul Hassan, confirmed the concept of introducing a code of conduct.

While speaking to Express, Sami Ul Hassan claimed that the point of the code of conduct is not to target any individual or an organisation but to help everyone understand their responsibility and why it is necessary to uphold certain values in public.

Sami also dismissed the notion that the Governing Council meeting was not being held because of the code of conduct.

It is worth mentioning that a large number of well-known former players are somehow affiliated with the PCB, some remain silent due to pensions, so only a handful of former cricketers are open to expressing their opinions. Most of the cricketers who openly criticise PCB's policies belong to different PSL franchises.

The PSL franchises, however, are of the opinion that these ex-cricketers have dedicated their entire lives to Pakistan cricket and restricting their 'free speech' is not a wise decision.

When asked about whether PCB reserves the right to punish any franchise official, Sami Ul Hassan said that the code of conduct has not been finalised hence any discussion regarding that would be premature. 

He further added that the intention isn't to punish anyone but to help all individuals understand their responsibility and how their words can have a rippling effect.