PSL 2020: Controversy Following Peshawar Zalmi Vs Karachi Kings

The Pakistan Super League (PSL 2020) commenced on the 20th of February. However, even before the league started, controversies related to it surfaced. For example, Umar Akmal is the recent recipient of a suspension notice from the Pakistan Cricket Board and is unable to play for the Quetta Gladiators. Now, following the recent match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, another controversy has come to light.

Related: Umar Aklam Receives Suspension Notice from Pakistan Cricket Board

PSL 2020 2nd match

On the day of the match, Karachi Kings scored 201 runs from 20 overs. Their opponent team, Peshawar Zalmi, put their 100% effort to reach 202 but failed to do so. Karachi Kings emerged victorious by 10 runs. It was the 97-run partnership between Imam Wasim and Babar Azam which put the team on the winning track.

Obviously, this triumph is a moment to celebrate. However, it was overshadowed by a controversy. A member of Karachi Kings was using his cellphone during the match.

ICC regulation for mobile phones

Now, according to the ICC rules, both players and members of management cannot use their cellphones during an ongoing match. All communication must take place via walkie-talkies. This is why almost every player uses a walkie-talkie to convey messages between the dugout and the dressing room. If any issue involving mobile phones is brought to the match officials, then an extensive investigation takes place.

However, the media manager of Karachi Kings, Faisal Mirza, step forward with the statement that the team member using the phone is Tariq Warsi. According to Mirza, Warsi is the team’s manager. Furthermore, even the head coach of the team, Dean Jones, took to Twitter to clarify the matter.

”Like in ALL T20 cricket. The manager/CEO is the only one allowed to have a phone. In this case Tariq.. our CEO is doing work. Here he is organising us Practice times for today. Thanks for your concern.”

On the other hand, the team’s PSL 2020 name sheet tells a different story. The manager’s name on the sheet is Navaid Rasheed. As of now, there’s no telling how ICC will react to this matter.

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