Former England spin bowler Monty Panesar has withdrawn his name from upcoming Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) league after the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) made it very clear to former South Africa cricketer Herschelle Gibbs that in the future he would not get any assignments in India.
Pakistan which never fails to put the spotlight on Kashmir had planned a cricket tournament in PoK. However, the BCCI made it very clear that anyone who participates will suffer consequences.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened the BCCI, claiming that it will take the matter to the ICC, but the Indian cricket board responded by saying that they are “welcome to go to ICC.”
Now, Monty Panesar in an exclusive interview with Republic Bharat announced that he will not be participating in Pakistan’s sham ‘Kashmir Premier League’ and also warned the other participating players to think about the consequences first before taking part in the Pakistan Occupied ‘Kashmir Premier League’.
I have decided not to participate in the KPL because of the political tensions between India and Pakistan over kashmir issues. I don't want to be in the middle of this , it would make me feel uncomfortable. #KPL2021 #Kashmir #india #Cricket #Pakistan #ENGvIND #TheHundred
— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) August 1, 2021
Panesar in his interview said, “I had the opportunity to play in the ‘KPL’ and I thought I could play again. However, I was advised that the BCCI is telling players who will play in the ‘Kashmir Premier League’ might face consequences. As I am just starting my career in sports media I want to work in India. Therefore I thought it would be better to not play in the ‘Kashmir Premier League’. I don’t wanna come between cricket and politics,”.
“I am a player I was just seeing this as an opportunity to resume playing gradually and make a comeback in cricket but after seeing the consequences, it is too risky for me to play in the ‘KPL’. Therefore, I thought it would be best if I don’t play in the league” added Monty Panesar.
The Kashmir Premier League, which was announced in December 2020, is an attempt to host a tournament between five teams representing cities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and one team representing “overseas” Kashmiris.
Shahid Afridi has been named the captain of the Rawalakot Hawks. In an interview, Afridi revealed that after tribals invaded Kashmir in 1948, his grandfather indulged in looting, pillaging, and murdering. International Pakistani cricketers such as Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Hafeez, and Fakhar Zaman will play for the other teams in the franchise tournament.
Many former international players were invited to play or be a part of the broadcast, but after the BCCI, which has clout with all other cricketing nations, many withdrew their names, including Monty Panesar, who now wants opportunities in India.
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