PCB had nullified the NOCs granted to its players to feature in the T10 League
03 November, 2019
PHOTO: AFP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seems keen on blaming nation’s Prime Minister Imran Khan for most of its ill-advised decisions, which appears to have upset the federal government.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) might also begin investigations for government interference in this regard.
Earlier, the PCB had nullified the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) granted to its players to feature in the upcoming T10 League. When players protested against the decision, they were told that the instruction had come from the Prime Minister’s office.
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According to website ESPNcricinfo, PM Imran had instructed PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani to avoid the T10 League due to the involvement of Indian owners and financial benefactors. The same report cited a probable mutiny by the players in this regard as well.
According to sources, a PCB official leaked the news to media personnel so that the government could be blamed for the decision. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is also unhappy with the attitude of the PCB on this matter.
Even the decision of removing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been placed on the shoulders of the Prime Minister. People close to the wicketkeeper-batsman have disclosed that the PCB wanted to retain him in the same role till the T20 World Cup next year, however, the prime minister was unhappy with him and forced the decision of his eventual removal.
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PCB’s stance of blaming the government for its shortcomings has left many officials exasperated. They believe that the country is going through a tumultuous phase and the prime minister cannot run cricket while sorting those critical issues.
The PCB’s stance has the tendency of backfiring on the board itself. The ICC does not tolerate government interference in cricketing matters. If the ECB makes a formal complaint to the ICC the matter could become more serious for Pakistan cricket.
