PCB faces backlash for penalizing Azam Khan over Palestine support

Azam Khan playing for Karachi Whites, received a 50% match fee penalty for violating clothing and equipment regulations related to unapproved logos or political messaging.

PHOTO: PCB

Fans are expressing discontent over the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to fine cricketer Azam Khan for displaying the flag of Palestine on his bat during the National T20 tournament.

Azam, playing for Karachi Whites, received a 50% match fee penalty for violating clothing and equipment regulations related to unapproved logos or political messaging.

The middle-order batter had previously informed the match referee that all his bats had the same stickers. While the ICC prohibits players from displaying political, religious, or racial messages, Azam had used the same sticker in two earlier games without receiving a warning.

Previously, Pakistan players expressed solidarity with Palestinians during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, a stance that was defended by the PCB as a personal decision.

The decision to fine Azam has sparked criticism on social media, with netizens condemning the PCB's action. It's crucial to note that the ICC code pertains to on-field activities, and off-the-ground actions fall outside its jurisdiction.

What ? Are you serious ?

Azam Khan has been fined 50% of his match fee for Palestine sticker on his bat. pic.twitter.com/VWrP0osz7O
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) November 26, 2023

Good evening @TheRealPCB - To fine #AzamKhan for showing support with #Palestine is gross. Really gross. #WeStandWithAzamKhan pic.twitter.com/2DJIZfD4O0
— Bea (@HerNameIs_Bea) November 26, 2023

I know Azam Khan is a very rich boy and the fine wouldn't matter to him. But where does this leave PCB? An organisation already being run by the most inefficient cartoons on the top is putting fine for someone pasting Palestinian flag on the Bat. How can we the fans, the real…
— Adeel Azhar (@adeel_azhar) November 26, 2023

Shame on you @TheRealPCB for fining #AzamKhan for displaying a sticker on his bat in support for #Palestine. Boycott the board & it's activities until the address this issue. #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/W8cszs0Vm1
— Yassar 🇵🇸 (@YassarAltaf99) November 26, 2023

Shameful and this coward board @TheRealPCB has fined Azam Khan for using the Palestinian flag on his bat. Literally I have no words to explain this shameful act from Yaka Ashraf and PCB. When every athlete in the world is condemning the genocide in Palestine, these bunch of… pic.twitter.com/WxfDkvK5u3
— Hassan (@HassanAbbasian) November 26, 2023