LAHORE – The country’s cricket board has regretted India’s blocking of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 coverage over Pulwama attack that left over 40 paramilitary soldiers dead and dozens other injured in occupied Kashmir.
The PCB yesterday confirmed that the official Indian broadcaster for PSL, IMG Reliance, would no longer be producing live PSL matches after Sunday’s matches in Dubai.
“We have been informed by IMG Reliance that they will be unable to partner with us for the remaining HBL PSL 2019 and PCB has reserved all its rights. 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 in a statement.
Wasim added: “The PCB has also noted the recent turn of events and expresses its extreme disappointment as we have always believed and emphasised that sports and politics should be kept separate. History tells us that sports, particularly cricket, have always played a key role in building bridges between people and countries.
“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.
“The PCB intends to take up these incidents with the BCCI and the ICC at the upcoming ICC committee meeting in Dubai later this month.”
PCB has now approached a few companies who had earlier broadcast their events, and a new deal is going to be signed soon.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/sports/india-removes-imran-khans-portrait-from-cricket-club-following-pulwama-attack/
The league, which commenced on February 14 at the Dubai International stadium, resumes from Wednesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium after a two-day break.
Earlier in 2018, PSL had recieved a 358% rise in their broadcast deal, which was to cover seasons from 2019-2022.
