The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a 50 per cent fine on middle-order batter Azam Khan for using a bat which had the flag of Palestine on it and copped a warning for suspension if he continues the practice. The incident occurred during the National T20 Cup between Karachi Whites and Lahore Blues, with Azam plying his trade for the former.
According to the regulations of the International Cricket Council (ICC), no cricketer is allowed to sport a logo or sign on any of their equipment relating to a political or religious sentiment. The regulations of the ICC must be followed even in the domestic matches by all other member boards. According to Geo News, the 25-year-old had the logo on his bat in the past two matches of the tournament too, but wasn't warned by anyone.
Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan copped backlash last month for dedicating his match-winning century in the 2023 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka to their 'brothers and sisters in Gaza' amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. Recently, ex-Pakistan skipper Babar Azam also expressed his solidarity with Palestine on X.
Azam Khan fails to guide Karachi Whites to victory as they fall short by 5 runs:
Meanwhile, Azam Khan held fort with 35 off 31 deliveries when Karachi Whites were in pursuit of 160 in their stipulated 20 overs. The keeper-batter fell in the 18th over of the innings, becoming Kashif Bhatti's 2nd victim as it became the turning point of the fixture.
Karachi Whites eventually fell short by 5 runs and lost the fixture.
