(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) media manager Umar Farooq Kalson and general manager for international cricket, Adnan Ali, face scrutiny for their presence at a Colombo casino during Asia Cup 2023. Their actions violate the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code, which strictly forbids visiting gambling establishments. Kalson and Ali defended their casino visit, claiming it was for dinner, corroborated by the restaurant.
Critics, including cricket writer Omair Alavi, questioned the officials’ explanation, deeming it implausible to visit a casino solely for dining. Fans criticized their behavior as “immature” and “careless,” raising doubts about their professionalism.
Journalist Shakil Shaikh mentioned a similar incident from the past involving former Pakistan captain and chief selector Moin Khan during the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Moin Khan’s presence at a casino in Christchurch, New Zealand, was viewed negatively, and he was eventually recalled and sacked by PCB Chairman Sheharyar Khan despite his claims that it was a dinner visit.
“PCB media officials Umer Farooq Kalson and Adnan Ali having a good time in a casino in Colombo. Cricket fans will recall that Chief Selector/Manager Moin Khan was recalled during World Cup 2015 and sacked by PCB Chairman Sheharyar Khan when he was seen in a casino in Christchurch New Zealand,” Shaikh tweeted and shared the video of PCB officials at the casino.