Two Pakistani cricket officials faced criticism this week when they were spotted at a casino. The team is competing in the Asia Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and photos and videos of Media Director Omar Farooq Kalson and Director General of the Pakistan Cricket Board have recently emerged (PCB) Adnan Ali at a local casino.
The pair raised objections to gambling while in town for the tournament. Visiting casinos or any facility where gambling takes place is not permitted under international cricket rules, even if you are not betting on the sport itself.
“The incident has raised concerns about possible breaches of International Cricket Council rules (International Criminal Court) Anti-Corruption Law, which prohibits visiting gambling establishments, The Times of India Reports. “Critics have questioned my professionalism and wisdom PCB “Officials travel to Colombo during the Asian Cup on official visits, which has come under scrutiny.”
I have witnessed cricket Numerous accusations of match-fixing In recent years, the rule has been put in place to help keep the sport’s image clean.
Just a dinner cruise?
This sport of cricket has seen its fair share of match-fixing in recent years and for a long time List of players who have faced bans since 2000. After facing backlash, Kalson and Ali said the visit to the casino was only for dinner. This was met with some skepticism among fans on social media as well as players.
“Many are not convinced by the explanation that they only went to the casino for dinner. It is a bit hard to swallow,” cricket writer Omair Alvi told The Times.
PCB Media officers Omar Farooq Kalson and Adnan Ali are having a good time at a casino in Colombo. Cricket fans will remember that chief selector/manager Moin Khan was called up during the 2015 World Cup and was sacked by PCB President Shehariyar Khan when he was seen at a casino in Christchurch… pic.twitter.com/eRoF534xD1
– Shakeel Sheikh (@shakilsh58) September 9, 2023
This is not the first time Pakistani cricket officials have been embroiled in a casino-related scandal. At the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, former team captain and manager Moin Khan had to return to Pakistan after appearing at a casino before the match.
Most recent incident It can come with repercussions As for Kelson and Ali, according to media reports.
Cricadium.com notes that “the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit takes such incidents very seriously to maintain the integrity of the sport and to prevent any potential corruption or misconduct.”
“Sources indicate that it is both PCB Officials may face strict disciplinary measures upon their return from Colombo. The PCB’s Cricket Management Committee is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident despite the officials’ clarifications.
Pakistan does not have its own gambling. In fact, not only are casinos illegal, but the Muslim nation adheres to the Qur’an which forbids all forms of gambling, with the exception of horse racing. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, site of the Cricket Asia Cup, legalized gambling in the tourist area of Colombo in 2010.
