In a very surprising news, Pakistan cricket allrounder Aamer Jamal has been fined over one million rupees (approximately USD 4,000) for expressing his support for former prime minister and cricket captain Imran Khan. This hefty fine has raised eyebrows not only among fans but also within the cricketing community.
The incident occurred during a training session for the national team amid the home Test series against England in December 2022. Jamal, in a show of solidarity for Imran Khan—who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges—displayed the number “804” on the underside of his hat, which is Khan’s prisoner number.
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This numeral has evolved into a popular slogan among Khan’s supporters, often heard at rallies for his political party, PTI, and even during a few Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches last year.
While Jamal’s actions did not violate ICC rules since they occurred outside of official match events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly imposed a fine in accordance with their own code of conduct, specifically under clause 2.23. This clause prohibits public criticism or inappropriate comments regarding the Board, its officials, or any sensitive political matters, which explains Jamal’s hefty sanction.
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The PCB’s decision to levy such a significant fine suggests that it aims to send a strong message about the boundaries of political expression within the sport. It reflects the ongoing tensions between Khan and the current government led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi closely aligned with the current administration.
This incident has sparked debate over the freedom of expression for athletes in Pakistan, especially in a politically charged atmosphere.
