PCB adopts controlled media policy

Media restrictions have also been imposed on match officials

PHOTO: PCB

For the first time in Pakistan’s cricket history, domestic cricketers will not be allowed to talk to the media without the approval and permission of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Many players are currently participating in the Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy without officially signing contracts. Those players have now been subjected to restrictions as well.

According to details, the PCB was supposed to sign contracts with the players of the six domestic teams under the new system. They will receive a monthly salary of PKR 50,000.

According to sources, no such contract signing has taken place so far. The players are participating in the tournament without a contract. This has not stopped the PCB from enforcing its restrictions with regards to the media. Team managements have been orally notified by the PCB to not allow any player to give an interview without the approval of the PCB’s media department.

It should be noted that in the past, players have not been kept away from the media. Until last year, the players could give interviews with the permission of their respective team managers.

Sources have said that this is a manifestation of the PCB’s controlled media policy. The PCB, through this policy, strive to shape the narrative themselves.

PCB officials stated that contracted players are no longer allowed to give interviews without permission after the end of the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup. Contracted domestic players will also have to seek permission before giving an interview.

The PCB has decided to hold a press conference which would feature one player after each match. On the other hand, many players gave interviews to British media outlets in the past few days. This proves that the restriction is only for domestic journalists.

According to a leaked message on twitter, restrictions have also been imposed on the match officials as well. The manager of umpires and referees, Bilal Qureshi has issued a letter of warning for all official stakeholders before the second round of the ongoing QeA Trophy.

The match referees have been directed to instruct all stakeholders to refrain from making negative remarks on the strategies of their team, the opposition team and the policies of the PCB. Any infringement in this regard would be dealt under the Code of Conduct (COC).