Pak players 'stranded' in Uganda, probe initiated

Karachi [Pakistan], December 22 (ANI): Responding to the Uganda incident, wherein several Pakistani cricketers were left stranded over a payment dispute with a T20 league orgainser, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that it is the responsibility of the players to negotiate the terms of their engagement and not that of the board.

According to Geo News, Pakistani players, including Saeed Ajmal, Imran Khan and Yasir Hameed, were supposed to take part in Uganda's Afro T20 League.

However, the league was delayed earlier for a few days but was ultimately cancelled as the organisers failed to release payment to the players after sponsors decided to pull out of the deal.

Additionally, the players were unable to reschedule their flights back home due to the huge variations in ticket prices.

In a statement issued by the PCB on Thursday, it clarified, "Upon inquiring of the bonafides of this League from International Cricket Council (ICC), we were advised by the ICC that Afro T20 League has been approved by them and that it is been played under the umbrella of Uganda Cricket Association (UCA)."

"The ICC sent us a list of players which were provided to the ICC by the League organisers and asked us to allow them to take part in the tournament. Upon receiving confirmation from ICC, PCB issued NOCs to all Pakistani players who were mentioned in the approved list." the statement further read.

The board said that it is currently looking into the incident and will take further course of action once complete information is received.

However, the PCB also said, "It may be mentioned that it is the responsibility of the players to negotiate the terms of their engagement and not that of the PCB whose role is confined to the issuance of NOCs on the condition that the players are not required for PCB duty at home or abroad." (ANI)