Pakistani Cricketer Fined for Displaying Palestine Flag on Bat

Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan was fined 50% of his match fees for Displaying Palestine Flag on Bat


KARACHI, Pakistan - Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan was fined 50% of his match fees for violating clothing and equipment regulations by displaying Palestine's flag on his bat during a National T20 tournament match in Karachi on Sunday. Khan, a wicketkeeper-batter playing for Karachi Whites, scored 35 runs against Lahore Blues before being summoned by the match referee for displaying the unauthorized logo. The ICC's clothing and equipment regulations prohibit players from displaying messages that carry political, religious, or racial connotations. The PCB, which is a signatory to the ICC code of conduct, confirmed that Khan was fined for violating these regulations. Sources close to the matter revealed that Khan had previously been warned about the unauthorized logo on his bat but had not heeded the warning. In a similar incident during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in October, the Pakistani cricket team expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people, drawing objections from Indian fans and cricket experts. The PCB, however, defended the players' actions, stating that their expression of support was a personal decision.

In Karachi, Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan faced a fine for affixing the Palestinian flag to his bat during the National T20 tournament. Stringent measures were taken against him for violating regulations related to attire and equipment, specifically for displaying an unauthorized logo with political messaging.

Azam Khan, representing Karachi Whites in the tournament and the son of former captain Moin Khan, was called in by the match referee immediately after the game on Sunday. Despite a prior warning from the referee regarding the unapproved logo on his bat, Azam persisted, asserting that all his bats bore the same stickers.

It's worth noting that according to ICC regulations on clothing and equipment, players are prohibited from displaying messages associated with political, religious, and racial activities.

In response to his actions, Azam Khan was fined 50% of his match fees by the match referee. However, some individuals on social media criticized the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) for imposing the fine, while others rallied in support of the batsman, applauding his use of the game to raise awareness for the Palestinian cause.