Pakistani batter Azam Khan has found himself at the centre of controversy during a National T20 Cup match against Lahore Blues, reports on social media claim.
The batter has been fined 50% of his match fees for affixing a sticker of the Palestine flag on his bat.
The authorities have warned Azam Khan of potential suspension if he persists in using the flag sticker, reports say. They say that the middle-order batter has breached clothing and equipment regulations (displaying unapproved logo/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
Earlier during the world cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka, wicket keeper batter Muhammed Rizwan chose to dedicate the win to the oppressed Palestinians in Gaza.
Rizwan took the opportunity to express his deep-rooted solidarity with the Palestinian cause via X.
This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. 🤲🏼
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 11, 2023
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.
It was reported that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had asked Rizwan to delete the post, but he did not comply with it.
Notably, Pakistan cricket team then-skipper Babar Azam also posted in favour of Gaza right after the team's return to Pakistan. By then, he had already left the captaincy.
The cricket fans had criticized the board heavily as they believed that it had stopped the players, especially the captain, from posting in favour of Gaza.
