Covering of Imran Khan Pictures in India ‘Regrettable’, Says PCB

The Cricket Club of India had ‘covered’ the former Pakistan captain’s pictures to protest the Pulwama terror attack.

CCI decided to ‘cover’ pictures of Imran Khan in its facility in Mumbai to protest the Pulwama terror attack.

(Photo: AP)

The Pakistan Cricket Board has said it will take up with the BCCI the “regrettable” removal of pictures of its former players at venues in India after the Pulwama terror attack.

PCB’s Managing Director Wasim Khan, in a statement issued on Sunday, 17 February, said the issue will be raised during an ICC meeting scheduled to held in Dubai next month.

This comes after the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai covered a portrait of former Pakistan captain and present prime minister Imran Khan, as a sign of protesting against the ghastly attack on Thursday, 14 February, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans.

“... covering or removing portrait of former Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan and other legendary cricketers from one of the most historic cricket clubs and venues are highly regrettable actions.”

Wasim Khan, PCB MD

In addition to CCI’s move, the Punjab Cricket Association too removed photographs of Pakistani cricketers from various points inside the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

Elsewhere, IMG Reliance announced its withdrawal as the official production partner for the Pakistan Super League to protest against the Pulwama attack.

“... we have always believed and emphasised that sports and politics should be kept separate. History tells us that sports, particularly cricket, have always played a key role in building bridges between people and countries.”

Wasim Khan, PCB MD

Reacting to IMG Reliance’s pull-out as broadcasters of PSL 2019, Wasim said: “We have been informed by IMG Reliance that they will be unable to partner with us for the remaining PSL 2019 and PCB has reserved all its rights. The PCB always had a contingency plan in place.”