PCB Reacts After IMG-Reliance Cuts Tie With PSL

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its “disappointment” after Pakistan Super League coverage was suspended in India as well as worldwide. On Sunday, IMG-Reliance pulled out of its deal to produce television coverage of the ongoing Pakistan Super League worldwide. The decision by the Indian company comes just three days after the ghastly attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

On Thursday, a suicide bomber from the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district, killing at least 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.

The bus was on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Lethpora town, about 30 km from Srinagar when the attack took place. The entire nation is in a state of shock as well as furious following the gruesome attack. The whole of India is condemning the attack and paying tribute to the fallen brave souls. The cricketing fraternity has also not remained far behind. The players have not only condemned the attack but have also come forward to help the families of the martyrs’ families.

Prior to IMG-Reliance, DSport, which was broadcasting the game in India, had also stopped the coverage. In other show of protests, Cricket Club of India had covered the portrait of former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan in its restaurant. On Sunday, the PCA stadium in Mohali had removed the pictures of the Pakistani players. There are also calls of boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup.

But as India continue to make Pakistan pay a hefty price for the attack, the PCB has expressed their disappointment over the turn of events.

“The PCB has also noted the recent turn of events and expresses its extreme disappointment as 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,” PCB’s Managing Director Wasim Khan said.

“Unfortunately, denying India cricket fans the right to follow HBL PSL by blocking all digital coverage as well as 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.

“The PCB intends to take up these incidents with the BCCI and the ICC at the upcoming ICC committee meeting in Dubai later this month,” he added.