Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan has been fined half of his match fee for displaying the Palestinian flag on his bat during a National T20 Cup match.
Azam Khan could face suspension if he continues using the Palestinian flag sticker on his bat. Authorities say he has violated rules by displaying an unauthorized logo and engaging in political messaging.
Wicketkeeper Batsman Azam Khan has been fined 50% of his match fees for using Palestine Flag 🇵🇸 on his bat in a National T20 Cup match against Lahore Blues. He has also been warned of suspension if he uses 🇵🇸 again during match. pic.twitter.com/lCWV8KblKP
— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) November 26, 2023
In the recent World Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka, wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammed Rizwan opted to dedicate the victory to the Palestinians facing oppression in Gaza.
Seizing the moment, Rizwan strongly supported the Palestinian cause, expressing solidarity with their struggles.
PCB reportedly requested Rizwan to remove his post, but he refused. Interestingly, former Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam also expressed support for Gaza upon the team’s return to Pakistan after stepping out of his captaincy.
Cricket enthusiasts strongly criticized the board, alleging that it had prevented players, particularly the captain, from voicing their support for Gaza.
These are ICC rules that have to be followed by every cricketing nation in cricket. You cannot display any flag or any unauthorised logo and this applies to all countries.
Indian cricketers are not allowed to display any unauthorised flag or logo as well.
Politics must be kept out of sports as Pakistani players will do it then other countries will start following it.
Had they displayed Israeli Flag, there would have been no fine on Azam Khan.