Umar Farooq Kalson, the Pakistani cricket team’s media manager, and Adnan Ali, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) general manager, are facing severe criticism for their visit to a local casino in Colombo during the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The images and video footage of their casino visit attracted the attention of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, which prohibits visiting gambling places.
Critics are questioning the professionalism and wisdom of the two Pakistani cricket officials engaging in such activities that too during an international cricket tournament. Fans on social media slammed PCB officials for being ‘careless’ and and ‘immature’ for potentially indulging in gambling. Responding to media and social media backlashes, they stated that they had simply visited the casino for dinner.
Despite their clarification, the duo is likely to face disciplinary action upon their return, according to a PCB source. Former Test opener Mohsin Khan expressed his disappointment at the behavior of the two PCB officials and emphasized the need for a strict code of conduct to govern international cricket. Ironically, this was not the first time that Pakistani cricket officials visited a casino. At the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, former team captain and manager Moin Khan was also spotted at a casino. He was forced to return to Pakistan for visiting a casino before a match.
Content & Image Courtesy: mint