NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta’s email and issued their clarifications regarding the issues raised by the global cricket body on September 18. Gupta had mentioned PMOA violations by the media manager, but the PCB, in its defence, stated that there was “authorised access”.“The team’s media manager is part of the squad and has authorised access to the PMOA. His presence there is not a violation. ICC protocols include provisions that allow media managers to use cameras. If the SOP was not followed, the ICC should question the match referee on whether he reported the matter to the ACU official,” PCB is believed to have told the ICC.
The PCB, however, missed an important detail, as the ACU official, according to the ICC email, objected to the phone being taken inside the room and also to the filming of the sensitive meeting between match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Agha, and coach Mike Hesson. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!It is understood that the PCB did not comply and instead went on to blackmail by saying they would boycott the match against the UAE if they were not allowed to take the phone inside and record the meeting.It is further believed that PCB is on a sticky wicket after their recent actions and even their media statement and “defamatory” language for Pycroft could attract legal trouble. The drama after the India vs Pakistan game on September 14 refuses to die down, and it will be interesting to see how the ICC, which has been very strong with their words and actions so far, responds to PCB’s latest email.India and Pakistan are set to meet again in the Super 4s in Dubai on September 21, and more fireworks are expected, both on and off the field, when the arch-rivals lock horns in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
