LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated disciplinary action against two officials who visited a casino in Sri Lanka.
PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf took action on reports that the two board officials, who are accompanying the team during the ongoing Asia Cup, visited the casino in Colombo.
The board has sent a show-cause noice to media manager Umar Farooq Kalson and the General Manager (International Cricket) Adnan Ali. The PCB said strict action will be taken against the officials found involved in such activities.
The PCB officials came under scrutiny following the emergence of pictures and video footage showing them visiting a casino in Colombo.
Both officials are in Colombo in an official capacity as part of the Pakistani contingent for the ongoing Asia Cup. Such visits to gambling establishments are prohibited under the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code.
Many Pakistani fans on social media expressed disappointment and criticized the “immaturity” and “carelessness” of PCB officials for engaging in gambling activities during the Asia Cup.
Several PCB officials had travelled between Colombo and Lahore, with some stationed there permanently, as Pakistan is the official host of the Asia Cup.
The two officials said that they had visited the casino for dinner while also claiming that the video was edited.
Former Test opener Mohsin Khan expressed surprise and disappointment at the irresponsible behaviour of the two PCB officials in visiting a casino during the tournament.
PCB media officials Umer Farooq Kalson and Adnan Ali having a good time in a casino in Colombo. Cricket fans will recall that Chief Selector/Manager Moin Khan was recalled during World Cup 2015 and sacked by PCB Chairman Sheharyar Khan when he was seen in a casino in Christchurch… pic.twitter.com/eRoF534xD1
— Shakil Shaikh (@shakilsh58) September 9, 2023
