The wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan was fined for wearing a Palestinian flag on his bat during a recent domestic Twenty20 competition, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reversed the decision on Tuesday, DAWN reported.
They said, imposition of the fine had sparked social media criticism, with the PCB facing backlash for what was perceived as an unjust action against the cricketer.
Khan — who represented Karachi Whites during the match — was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for being found guilty of committing a level-I offence during his side’s National T20 Cup 2023-24 match against Lahore Blues at National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Sunday.
Khan adorned his bat with a Palestinian flag during the match, contravening the rules that prohibit the endorsement of any such cause unless approved beforehand.
However, the PCB in a statement cited by DAWN said: “Azam Khan’s 50pc fine imposed by match officials has been reviewed and waived off by the PCB.”
The cricketer was found to have violated Article 2.4 of the PCB Code of Conduct For Players and Players Support Personnel for repeated failure to comply with the instruction or directive of an umpire during the match, the board said in the statement.
It also added that “players and team officials are not permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their equipment unless approved in advance by both player or team official’s cricket association and PCB Cricket Operations Department.”
