New Delhi: The Pakistan cricket fraternity can’t seem to keep themselves out of controversies for a long time, as this time one of their players has managed to secure a fine from PCB for violating their code of conduct of the game.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan 50% of his match earnings for not following apparel and equipment rules during a National T20 Cup match in Karachi.
He has also been warned that if he continues to use the sticker on his bat, despite receiving the fine, it can result in him being suspended.
50% of Azam Khan’s match fees penalised for wearing the #Palestine flag on his bat during the National T20 Cup match against the Lahore Blues. He’s been informed that using the sticker could result in suspension 🇵🇸🏏 #AzamKhan pic.twitter.com/CJWoFxKvHW
— Alisha Imran (@Alishaimran111) November 26, 2023
Azam reportedly told the officials that all of his bats have the same stickers after showing the flag of Palestine on his bat, according to a story in Pakistan’s Geo News.
The incident took place on Sunday during the National Stadium game between Azam’s Karachi Whites and Lahore Blues.
The fine was imposed in accordance with ICC rules of conduct for the game which prohibits players from wearing or using any sports equipment that carries any kind of political, religious or racial message.
Who is Azam Khan?
Azam Khan is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman for Pakistan. He was born on August 10, 1998, in Karachi.
He was destined to play cricket as his father Moin Khan was also a wicketkeeper batsman for Pakistan between 1990 to 2004.
AZAM KHAN! BANG BANG 🔥🔥
21 off 11 balls for Azam in a match which ended without a result due to rain. Saim Ayub also contributing with 24 unbeaten off just 16 balls on CPL debut. Pakistan’s future is bright Ma Shaa Allah ❤️ #CPL2023 pic.twitter.com/bziiz3Tvol
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 20, 2023
He has been often criticized for his fitness standards, but that has not stopped him from playing cricket and has used his power to his advantage turning out to be a hard-hitting batsman.
How has Azam Khan fared with bat?
The 25 years old cricketer has a long way to go in his career but has definitely shown some promising talent, over the years.
Azam Khan, who mainly plays T20 cricket for franchises all around the world, has also featured in 3 international matches for Pakistan.
Azam Khan has scored 1863 runs in 93 T20 matches in franchise cricket and has scored 6 runs in 3 T20I matches he has played for Pakistan so far.
Previous incidents of Pakistani cricketers
Before Azam Khan, another prominent Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman. Md. Rizwan also sparked controversy with his statement after a match-winning knock during the ICC World Cup 2023.
Rizwan on his X (Formerly known as Twitter), posted “This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier. Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.”
This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. 🤲🏼
Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier.
Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 11, 2023
This post didn’t sit well with many of the users who asked Rizwan to keep sports and politics separate.
