KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday overturned a fine imposed on wicket-keeper-batter Azam Khan for displaying a Palestinian flag on his bat during a recent domestic T20 match.

The imposition of the fine had sparked social media criticism, with the PCB facing backlash for what was perceived as an unjust action against the cricketer.

Azam — who represented Karachi Whites during the match — was fined 50 per cent of his match fee for being found guilty of committing a Level-I offence during his side’s National T20 Cup 2023-24 match against Lahore Blues at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Sunday.

Right-handed Azam ador­ned his bat with a Palestinian flag during the match, contravening the rules that prohibit the endorsement of any such cause unless approved beforehand.

“Azam Khan’s 50 per cent fine imposed by [the] match officials has been reviewed and waived off by the PCB,” the Board said in a statement on Tuesday.

The cricketer was found to have violated Article 2.4 of the PCB Code of Conduct For Players and Players Support Personnel for repeated failure to comply with the instru­ction or directive of an ump­ire during the match, the PCB said in the statement.

It also added that “players and team officials are not permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their equipment unless approved in advance by both player or team official’s cricket association and PCB Cricket Operations Department.”

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2023