In response to IMG Reliance’s withdrawal from the HBL Pakistan Super League abruptly saying it would no longer be producing live PSL matches, the Pakistan Cricket Board emphasized that sports and politics should be kept separate.
After DSports, IMG Reliance, the official Indian broadcaster for PSL pulled out from the production of the fourth edition of the competition, which is currently underway in the United Arab Emirates following the Pulwama terrorist attack on February 14 that killed 40 CRPF personnel.
DSport, the official broadcaster of the Pakistan Super League in India, has already suspended its broadcast of the tournament.
“The PCB always had a contingency plan in place, and we are confident we will be in a position to announce the new partner on Monday after the completion of the formalities,” PCB’s Managing Director Wasim Khan said.
History tells us that sports, particularly cricket, have always played a key role in building bridges between people and countries, added Wasim.
The board also regretted India’s blocking of PSL and removing portrait of legendary cricketers from historic cricket clubs.
“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,” said Wasim.
The PCB intended to take up these incidents with the BCCI and the ICC at the upcoming committee meeting in Dubai later this month.
