Pakistani cricketer Azam Khan has been slapped with a hefty 50 percent match-fee fine by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for breaching ICC's Code of Conduct. Azam Khan who is also the son of former Pakistani cricketer Moin Khan, displayed the Palestinian flag on his bat while playing National T20 tournament in Karachi on Sunday. As a result, PCB was left with no other choice but to fine Azam Khan for breaching the clothing and equipment regulations of ICC.
Azam Khan Palestine flag controversy erupted in the backdrop that Israel and Hamas are at war. By flaunting the Palestinian flag on his bat, Azam Khan was trying to extend his support to Gaza. Notably, Pakistani cricketer Mohammed Rizwan had dedicated his World Cup century to the people of Gaza. However, Riwan was slammed by fans on social media after that.
As per reports, ICC's rules and regulations do not allow the cricketer to put any logo or message on their clothes or equipment such as bats, gloves which carries a political , religious, statement. This ICC Code Of Conduct has to be followed in even domestic matches by all the member boards.
It is worth mentioning that in 2019, MS Dhoni was stopped from wearing gloves during the World Cup which has the insignia of India's Para Special Forces. Dhoni had breached the ICC Code of Conduct but there was no fine imposed on Dhoni by ICC. Ironically, Pakistani media and fans had objected to MS Dhoni's gloves.