The Karachi Whites wicketkeeper-batter had been fined for a level-I offense during the National T20 Cup 2023-24 match against Lahore Blues at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reversed its initial decision to fine batter Azam Khan for displaying the Palestine flag on his bat during a domestic match. As Azam Khan’s team, Karachi Whites, faced Lahore Blues at the National Stadium, a 50% fine on his match fee was imposed. However, the PCB reviewed the matter and opted to waive the penalty. In an official release, the PCB stated, “Azam Khan’s 50 percent fine imposed by match officials has been reviewed and waived off by the Pakistan Cricket Board.”
The Karachi Whites wicketkeeper-batter had been fined for a level-I offense during the National T20 Cup 2023-24 match against Lahore Blues at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The violation pertained to Article 2.4 of the PCB Code of Conduct, involving repeated failure to comply with umpire instructions. According to the ICC code of conduct, players are prohibited from displaying messages related to political, religious, or racial activities. Azam Khan had used the same sticker featuring Palestine’s flag in the two preceding matches but had not received prior warnings from officials before the Sunday match.
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A source close to the board revealed, “The young batter was fined 50% of his match fees. The batter was earlier warned by the referee not to display the unapproved logo (Palestine’s flag) on his bat as it would be a breach of the ICC code of conduct, of which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also a signatory.” The fine sparked controversy on social media, with criticism directed at the PCB for its decision. The live-televised match featured Azam playing for Karachi Whites against Lahore Blues.
Despite not playing for the national team since 2021, Azam is renowned in Pakistan cricket circles for his T20 prowess and participates regularly in franchise cricket globally. During the recent ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan expressed support for Palestine on Twitter but faced no ICC fine, as it was considered his personal opinion.
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