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PCB's media department head Umar Kalson under the scanner for visiting a Colombo casino

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Pakistan team's current head of media Umar Farooq Kalson and board's GM (International Cricket) Adnan Ali are under scanner after pictures and video footages emerged of the duo visiting a Colombo casino. Both are in Colombo in official capacity as a part of the Pakistani contingent for the ongoing Asia Cup and visiting a gambling den is sure to attract attention of ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit as it is one of the prohibited places as per code of conduct. Many Pakistani fans on social media questioned how officials of the PCB could be so "immature" and "careless" as to indulge in gambling.

Many criticised the trend of many PCB officials going on to Colombo during the Asia Cup on official visits.

A PCB source said that at least 15-20 PCB officials had travelled o and fro between Colombo and Lahore while some were stationed there permanently as Pakistan was the official host of the Asia Cup.

After some Pakistani news channels ran headlines, the two officials in the Casino later clarified that they had only gone to the Casino to have dinner, a claim ridiculed by all and sundry on social media and also by some former test players.

“Who goes to a Casino to have food. Who goes to a gambling joint to have food. Who are they trying to fool," cricket writer Omair Alavi said.

The source said the two PCB officials shouldn't have gone to the Casino where gambling was taking place.

"They could face strict disciplinary action on return,” he added.

The PCB's Cricket Management Committee, according to him, would be hard pressed to ignore the incident despite the clarification from the two officials.

Former Test opener Mohsin Khan also expressed surprise at the irresponsible behaviour of the two PCB officials to go to a Casino during the tournament.

Ironically during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Pakistan's former captain Moin Khan who was manager and chief selector with the team, was called back to Pakistan in the middle of the tournament after he and his wife were spotted at a Casino in Christchurch before a match against West Indies.

Moin also claimed his innocence that they had gone to have dinner but the then PCB Chairman, Shaharyar Khan made it clear that Moin had breached the team's and his contractual code of conduct.

Khan at that time had justified his strong action to recall and then sack Moin by pointing out that all PCB officials and players had to adhere to the board's and ICC's Anti-Corruption Code which strictly advised against visiting places where gambling takes place or there are increased chances of corruption.

Apparently one senior official was even given a dressing down by Jay Shah during a meeting in Pallekele.

The ACC chairman and BCCI supremo Shah apparently reacted strongly to some of the comments made by the PCB official at the meeting.

NDTV
 
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Who is surprised. Why is it a surprise that the manager of the cricket is visiting casinos especially with our terrible history of match fixing.
 
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so what? How is visiting a casino wrong now? Classic news channels trying to make a news out of self made taboo.

Basically in the subcontinent we think that casino means gambling on cricket. There are many other games one could gamble on in a casino or just have some food there.

And if PCB starts taking action than thats even more dumb. Basically, being sponsored by a betting company is alright but visiting a casino is an issue....
 
so what? How is visiting a casino wrong now? Classic news channels trying to make a news out of self made taboo.

Basically in the subcontinent we think that casino means gambling on cricket. There are many other games one could gamble on in a casino or just have some food there.

And if PCB starts taking action than thats even more dumb. Basically, being sponsored by a betting company is alright but visiting a casino is an issue....

Nothing wrong with going to a Casino, just not during a major tournament when you’re travelling with your team.
 
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Pakistan team's current media manager Umar Farooq Kalson and board's GM (International Cricket) Adnan Ali are under scanner after pictures and video footages emerged of the duo visiting a Colombo casino. Both are in Colombo in official capacity as a part of the Pakistani contingent for the ongoing Asia Cup and visiting a gambling den is sure to attract attention of ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit as it is one of the prohibited places as per code of conduct. Many Pakistani fans on social media questioned how officials of the PCB could be so "immature" and "careless" as to indulge in gambling.

Many criticised the trend of many PCB officials going on to Colombo during the Asia Cup on official visits.

A PCB source said that at least 15-20 PCB officials had travelled o and fro between Colombo and Lahore while some were stationed there permanently as Pakistan was the official host of the Asia Cup.

After some Pakistani news channels ran headlines, the two officials in the Casino later clarified that they had only gone to the Casino to have dinner, a claim ridiculed by all and sundry on social media and also by some former test players.

“Who goes to a Casino to have food. Who goes to a gambling joint to have food. Who are they trying to fool," cricket writer Omair Alavi said.

The source said the two PCB officials shouldn't have gone to the Casino where gambling was taking place.

"They could face strict disciplinary action on return,” he added.

The PCB's Cricket Management Committee, according to him, would be hard pressed to ignore the incident despite the clarification from the two officials.

Former Test opener Mohsin Khan also expressed surprise at the irresponsible behaviour of the two PCB officials to go to a Casino during the tournament.

Ironically during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Pakistan's former captain Moin Khan who was manager and chief selector with the team, was called back to Pakistan in the middle of the tournament after he and his wife were spotted at a Casino in Christchurch before a match against West Indies.

Moin also claimed his innocence that they had gone to have dinner but the then PCB Chairman, Shaharyar Khan made it clear that Moin had breached the team's and his contractual code of conduct.

Khan at that time had justified his strong action to recall and then sack Moin by pointing out that all PCB officials and players had to adhere to the board's and ICC's Anti-Corruption Code which strictly advised against visiting places where gambling takes place or there are increased chances of corruption.

Apparently one senior official was even given a dressing down by Jay Shah during a meeting in Pallekele.

The ACC chairman and BCCI supremo Shah apparently reacted strongly to some of the comments made by the PCB official at the meeting.

NDTV

I’m struggling with the structure of this article - which official was given a “dressing down” by Jay Shah and for what?
 
Basically, Umar Kolson worked his way up from a sports journalist to the PCB's Media manager. So now every sports journalist in Pakistan will use this news to bring him down and get him removed, because thats what we do.

If people like Jay Shah are also barking on this, than i think PCB needs to give him a dressing down. Visiting a Casino, playing a game, how is that even the concern of ICC? Its not. Its just a subcontinent taboo.

NBA players love playing poker in casinos. There are sports teams based in Vegas, and there are players that love visiting the hotels and casinos to play a game or two.

As for Moin Khan, during the 2015 world cup, he went as team manager. He was forcing the captain of the team to play a playing 11 that he wanted, a team manager has no such authority to do so. Pakistan ended up losing the first 4 games as Moin had forced his 11 to play. The casino case than happened, and they sent him back at the right time. Pakistan ended up winning the next 3-4 games after he left.
 
Nothing wrong with going to a Casino or strip club, just not during a major tournament when you’re travelling with your team.
first of all, there is no mention of strip club so lets scratch.

Second, how is going to Casino during a tournament a problem? ICC has no authority to restrict you from going to a casino. This is just a subcontinent taboo. Alot of people of subcontinent dont even know what a casino looks like.

There 1000 other games that are played in a casino. Major sporting teams and there players often visit to play a game or two.
 
first of all, there is no mention of strip club so lets scratch.

Second, how is going to Casino during a tournament a problem? ICC has no authority to restrict you from going to a casino. This is just a subcontinent taboo. Alot of people of subcontinent dont even know what a casino looks like.

There 1000 other games that are played in a casino. Major sporting teams and there players often visit to play a game or two.

When your country has a history of corruption the last thing you need is people who are close to our players hanging out in places where it’s easy to find betting agents.

Funny thing is, if it was someone else then Kalson would’ve ripped through them with an article on ESPNcricinfo.
 
so what? How is visiting a casino wrong now? Classic news channels trying to make a news out of self made taboo.

Basically in the subcontinent we think that casino means gambling on cricket. There are many other games one could gamble on in a casino or just have some food there.

And if PCB starts taking action than thats even more dumb. Basically, being sponsored by a betting company is alright but visiting a casino is an issue....

Agreed, who cares if he visits a casino. Was he spending company money or in breach of contract? Then sure, take action. If he was there on his own time of his own volition then it's no issue
 
Bit of background on this

1. Pakistan is a <Muslim majority> country
2. Gambling is looked down upon in <Islam>
3. Kalson and Co are in Sri Lanka after flying in on tickets paid by the PCB
4. Kalso and Co sitting in a Casino does not look good

Now that we understand WHY it looks bad to be in a casino for someone from Pakistan and especially when you are visiting the country on official business, one can ask for the other side of the story from Kalson himself. Hopefully that will come out soon.
 
When your country has a history of corruption the last thing you need is people who are close to our players hanging out in places where it’s easy to find betting agents.

Funny thing is, if it was someone else then Kalson would’ve ripped through them with an article on ESPNcricinfo.
Subcontinent taboo.

Pakistan's premier T20 league is sponsored by 7-9 betting companies. If corruption is a stigma than why is it ok to have betting companies to sponsor.

Again, there is nothing wrong in going to a casino.
 
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Bit of background on this

1. Pakistan is a <Muslim majority> country
2. Gambling is looked down upon in <Islam>
3. Kalson and Co are in Sri Lanka after flying in on tickets paid by the PCB
4. Kalso and Co sitting in a Casino does not look good

Now that we understand WHY it looks bad to be in a casino for someone from Pakistan and especially when you are visiting the country on official business, one can ask for the other side of the story from Kalson himself. Hopefully that will come out soon.
PSL is sponsored by heavily by betting companies. Every sponsor of Pakistans international series has a Dafa News sponsor which is a front for their betting business. It has nothing to do with Muslim Majority, thats just an excuse we use against others when we want too.

PCB paying tickets doesnt mean they should be restricting where Kalson should be enjoying his leisure time. When he is not needed during work hours, he has the freedom to enjoy his free time.

Whether it looks good or not, its not Kalsons concern.

Issue here is that we have made going to a Casino a taboo. Especially if someone from the cricket team or team management goes to a Casino to play a game. Every sporting team allows their players to enjoy playing games around at casino.

Funny thing is, Cricket betting takes place on phone and on online apps.
 
Bit of background on this

1. Pakistan is a <Muslim majority> country
2. Gambling is looked down upon in <Islam>
3. Kalson and Co are in Sri Lanka after flying in on tickets paid by the PCB
4. Kalso and Co sitting in a Casino does not look good

Now that we understand WHY it looks bad to be in a casino for someone from Pakistan and especially when you are visiting the country on official business, one can ask for the other side of the story from Kalson himself. Hopefully that will come out soon.

Are they doing it on company's time or their working hours? If not, people have the right to do what they want on their personal time.
 
Are they doing it on company's time or their working hours? If not, people have the right to do what they want on their personal time.

If they are in Colombo for work, then it's really not a good look imo for them to be in a Casino, even if it is after the working day.

Personally, I have no issues with gambling. But since our cricket has indulged in fixing in the past, it is really not a good look for them to in Casinos in the middle of a series. There are plenty of good places to eat in Colombo, just don't go to a Casino please.
 
Oh dear.

Could be his first and last tour as Head of Media.

Not a great look when you are out there on behalf of an Islamic country and NOT on a family holiday. And a nation that has had many instances of spot fixing over the years.

Highly unprofessional behaviour.
 
so what? How is visiting a casino wrong now? Classic news channels trying to make a news out of self made taboo.

Basically in the subcontinent we think that casino means gambling on cricket. There are many other games one could gamble on in a casino or just have some food there.

And if PCB starts taking action than thats even more dumb. Basically, being sponsored by a betting company is alright but visiting a casino is an issue....
So what kind of people is he going to mix with in casino? Are they honest people or people that may get you drunk and blackmail you?
 
So what kind of people is he going to mix with in casino? Are they honest people or people that may get you drunk and blackmail you?
Of course he'll mix with the pillars of the community.

But, but, but they were only there for dinner!
 
If they are in Colombo for work, then it's really not a good look imo for them to be in a Casino, even if it is after the working day.

Personally, I have no issues with gambling. But since our cricket has indulged in fixing in the past, it is really not a good look for them to in Casinos in the middle of a series. There are plenty of good places to eat in Colombo, just don't go to a Casino please.
I warned on these pages over a decade ago that both Aleem Dar and Asad Rauf were very vulnerable to being blackmailed with free gifts, women etc. Obviously no one told Asad my warnings and his promising Umpiring ended. Every PK player, official and umpire is a target of professional gamblers and they must be extra careful
 
A casino is one of the last places any member of the Pakistan cricket squad should be going to.

Absolute stupidity.
 
So what kind of people is he going to mix with in casino? Are they honest people or people that may get you drunk and blackmail you?
He can mix with anyone he wants.

Shane warne had a career playing poker for gods sake.....
 
He can mix with anyone he wants.

Shane warne had a career playing poker for gods sake.....

Yes, the famous player from a 'Muslim' country called Shane Ahmed Al Warne....
 
Yes, the famous player from a 'Muslim' country called Shane Ahmed Al Warne....
muslim? This is just a tag that are being used...

If Muslim was really a matter maybe psl would not had been sponsored by 7-8 betting companies

Maybe Murree brewery would not had been allowed to brew its own pakistani beer in Pakistan.

All of a sudden because Kalson is there (who has worked his way up), all these tags are being used now.

He has broken no law. And if this is really a big matter of concern, than might as well talk about the betting sponsors in our own league....

There are so many games that one could play like poker, black jack, a slot machine. But no, let's assume that he was fixing....

Anyways, its ironic considering how Pakistanis take pride that we produce our bowlers in Tapeball not knowing that tapeball games having a betting prize. Even in games like snooker there is betting where the loser pays for each ball the winner slots.

But its ok to be seen in snooker clubs and tapeball matches but not in casino, due to self made taboos..

Guy broke no law or anything, will lose out his job only because of typical subcontinent mentality.
 
You mentioned Pakistan being an islamic country, so if this behaviour is sinful, I mean watching striptease show, then we should avoid spreading these videoes.

The video is on SM.
 
Oh dear.

Could be his first and last tour as Head of Media.

Not a great look when you are out there on behalf of an Islamic country and NOT on a family holiday. And a nation that has had many instances of spot fixing over the years.

Highly unprofessional behaviour.
Definitely nothing unprofessional. Professionally speaking he would have been tasked to do his job and his hours of work would be well defined after that he can do whatever he wants. He can choose to sleep all night or go out to casino / club its actually unprofessional for people to tell him what to do in his own time.

Now onto moral, ethical and reputations / look issues everyone can have an opinion but the only professional opinion is that one can choose whatever he wants to do in his own time as long as its legal in the country of residence at the time.
 
Definitely nothing unprofessional. Professionally speaking he would have been tasked to do his job and his hours of work would be well defined after that he can do whatever he wants. He can choose to sleep all night or go out to casino / club its actually unprofessional for people to tell him what to do in his own time.

Now onto moral, ethical and reputations / look issues everyone can have an opinion but the only professional opinion is that one can choose whatever he wants to do in his own time as long as its legal in the country of residence at the time.

Totally unprofessional.

When you are on a business trip, ALL your actions represent that entity you are working for.

There is no off time - this is HR 101.
 
A casino is one of the last places any member of the Pakistan cricket squad should be going to.

Absolute stupidity.

Basically this.

Culture is culture and we must respect it in our professional capacity.
When they go on a personal tour they can do whatever they like but on a Pakistan government funded trip, this is not the right thing to do.

Nation above anything.
 
Totally unprofessional.

When you are on a business trip, ALL your actions represent that entity you are working for.

There is no off time - this is HR 101.

+1

It’s the same for corporate trips.
 
Totally unprofessional.

When you are on a business trip, ALL your actions represent that entity you are working for.

There is no off time - this is HR 101.
Have you ever been employed to go on a business trip or even employed to work for another company? I make a trip to various countries, cities to do a job for my company almost every other week. Once I have completed my work for the day I am allowed to do anything I want.
 
+1

It’s the same for corporate trips.
Which corporate trip you are talking about? I personally make many have never been asked to explain what I have been doing in my personal time? Did he spend corporate money in the casino? Even if he did as long as he didnt exceed his daily allowance it will not be an issue.
 
Have you ever been employed to go on a business trip or even employed to work for another company? I make a trip to various countries, cities to do a job for my company almost every other week. Once I have completed my work for the day I am allowed to do anything I want.

I wont answer this very silly question - beneath me.

Continue with your logic.

My only advice is not to do anything silly when on a business trip.
 
Have you ever been employed to go on a business trip or even employed to work for another company? I make a trip to various countries, cities to do a job for my company almost every other week. Once I have completed my work for the day I am allowed to do anything I want.

Again, depends on which company you’re talking about here m. It’s nationality and culture etc.
If I went to Europe or Russia for my Indian company, they surely wouldn’t like to know i am partying in men’s clubs post office hours.

If some unfortunate event occurred during my trip, it would bring disgrace to them. They have to be protective of their image and i respect that. Same is expected from cricketers
 
I wont answer this very silly question - beneath me.

Continue with your logic.

My only advice is not to do anything silly when on a business trip.
My only advice is to get out of this cave mentality and try and join the main stream thinking. There is a free world out there outside of your limited imagination. Again what people do outside of their professional time is upto them as long as they are not breaking any law.

Some bulshit explanation such as your are employed 24hrs is not only the biggest crap I ever heard but totally illegal.
 
Again, depends on which company you’re talking about here m. It’s nationality and culture etc.
If I went to Europe or Russia for my Indian company, they surely wouldn’t like to know i am partying in men’s clubs post office hours.

If some unfortunate event occurred during my trip, it would bring disgrace to them. They have to be protective of their image and i respect that. Same is expected from cricketers
Again he is not employed 24hrs a day which would be illegal. He is allowed to do whatever he wants as long as its legal. Why dont you assume he knows what he is doing?
 
Which corporate trip you are talking about? I personally make many have never been asked to explain what I have been doing in my personal time? Did he spend corporate money in the casino? Even if he did as long as he didnt exceed his daily allowance it will not be an issue.

Do you go on tourist visa or Business Visa?

If it’s a paid trip on a business visa , i would be surprised to know your company would have no issue if you were found at the casinos and local clubs.

Again, I’m talking about desi companies here.
 
Again he is not employed 24hrs a day which would be illegal. He is allowed to do whatever he wants as long as its legal. Why dont you assume he knows what he is doing?

If it’s a Business VISA , you’re liable to abide by your company norms 24x7 in public.

We all take leverage of the situations. But can’t be justified in a hearing.
 
If it’s a Business VISA , you’re liable to abide by your company norms 24x7 in public.

We all take leverage of the situations. But can’t be justified in a hearing.
Yes I do, my hotels are paid for together with any transport requirements and I get given allowance for my meals so they cant be extravagant. Beyond that If I want to go to a casino or even eat at a casino I can no issues I even submit receipts for payment but can only claim the allowance anything above I have to pay myself.

I am sure the person in question is subject to similar arrangement.
 
Yes I do, my hotels are paid for together with any transport requirements and I get given allowance for my meals so they cant be extravagant. Beyond that If I want to go to a casino or even eat at a casino I can no issues I even submit receipts for payment but can only claim the allowance anything above I have to pay myself.

I am sure the person in question is subject to similar arrangement.
It is more than likely that the person will get fired, however, if he gets fired, Kalson can take his case to the federal ombudsman, and the PCB will be forced to pay him his salary for firing him. Plus, this will be a case of unfair dismissal (incase he gets fired), he can claim more damages.

Because PCB comes under the govt, if one gets fired or not paid their dues, the ombudsman system of Pakistan really does help the people out.

Waiting for PCB to make a dumb move now
 
It is more than likely that the person will get fired, however, if he gets fired, Kalson can take his case to the federal ombudsman, and the PCB will be forced to pay him his salary for firing him. Plus, this will be a case of unfair dismissal (incase he gets fired), he can claim more damages.

Because PCB comes under the govt, if one gets fired or not paid their dues, the ombudsman system of Pakistan really does help the people out.

Waiting for PCB to make a dumb move now
It would be unfair and a own goal if PCB fires him for this. He has done nothing wrong unless his contract limits him from visiting specific places. I doubt it.
 
As per a media report

Both PCB employees have been issued a show cause notice and the matter now rests with Zaka Ashraf
 
It seems it was than a casino!

Absolutely disgusting and unprofessional.

If this isn't dealt with by PCB, it opens the doors for others to behave in such a manner.
 
It seems it was than a casino!

Absolutely disgusting and unprofessional.

If this isn't dealt with by PCB, it opens the doors for others to behave in such a manner.

Also would like to understand the constant stream of inside scoops being handed to certain media outlets
 
The matter has been blown out of proportion. These two are not the reason why Pakistan had a poor Asia Cup
 
Also would like to understand the constant stream of inside scoops being handed to certain media outlets

Shouldn’t we be thankful that such behaviour is being rightfully exposed.
 
What is wrong with our PCB officials? There is hardly a tour when we don't get such a news.
 
I'm always amazed when I read some, no actually most, threads here on PP. Gives me little hope for a better future..

Anyway, a country known for bribery, with a history of match fixing and the Press Officer is seen in a casino...

Forget whether it was on his own time or that he did or did not actually gamble.

This isn't even about religion.

This is about a paid employee, that too a press officer, being seen in a casino..... any employee worth their salt, knowing the history, would avoid going to a casino. So that should tell everyone that this guy really doesn't have a clue, is not up for the job, and should be removed from his job without warning.

On a side note, and this point is irrelevant, if an employee, knowing the history, still feels the need to visit a casino what does that tell you about that person? He's either extremely stupid or a gambler.
 
The same people supporting gambling by PCB executive old men in casinos, shun young Mohammad Amir for being forced to fix no-balls. There is a lot of hypocrisy.
 
If it is against the code of conduct of PCB and ICC. They both should be sacked as per the policy.
 
This was brushed aside but casual stuff like this just showed where the seriousness was in that camp.
 
If they are visiting in a personal capacity so what's wrong in it?
How can it be a personal capacity if you are a member of a touring squad and we all know the type of people that frequent such places.
 
Another sign of discord has emerged within the national cricket team as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called back the team’s media manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi midway through the ICC World Cup 2023.

A source privy to the matter has confirmed to Business Recorder that Nagi has been asked to report at the PCB headquarters in Lahore.

PCB’s Media Consultant, Umar Farooq Kalson, will travel to India on an urgent basis. Kalson will join the team in Chennai on Friday to replace Nagi for the remainder of the World Cup.


Dawn
 
Another sign of discord has emerged within the national cricket team as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called back the team’s media manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi midway through the ICC World Cup 2023.

A source privy to the matter has confirmed to Business Recorder that Nagi has been asked to report at the PCB headquarters in Lahore.

PCB’s Media Consultant, Umar Farooq Kalson, will travel to India on an urgent basis. Kalson will join the team in Chennai on Friday to replace Nagi for the remainder of the World Cup.


Dawn
Keep him away from the casinos :p
 
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Another sign of discord has emerged within the national cricket team as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called back the team’s media manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi midway through the ICC World Cup 2023.

A source privy to the matter has confirmed to Business Recorder that Nagi has been asked to report at the PCB headquarters in Lahore.

PCB’s Media Consultant, Umar Farooq Kalson, will travel to India on an urgent basis. Kalson will join the team in Chennai on Friday to replace Nagi for the remainder of the World Cup.


Dawn
What do you say about this @Mamoon ?
 
What do you say about this @Mamoon ?
I personally don’t see a problem with him visiting a casino or a brothel or whatever, but if PCB has a code of conduct that he breached, he has no one to blame but himself.

Assuming that this is tied to that and nothing happened behind the scenes. Anyway, a lot will happen in Pakistan cricket in the coming weeks.

Expect wholesale changes from top to bottom. The World Cup has been a humiliation for the ages and there will be repercussions, much like the World Cup 20 years ago.
 
I personally don’t see a problem with him visiting a casino or a brothel or whatever, but if PCB has a code of conduct that he breached, he has no one to blame but himself.

Assuming that this is tied to that and nothing happened behind the scenes. Anyway, a lot will happen in Pakistan cricket in the coming weeks.

Expect wholesale changes from top to bottom. The World Cup has been a humiliation for the ages and there will be repercussions, much like the World Cup 20 years ago.
The PCB fired the Social Media Manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi mid-tournament. Why get rid of him? Why is he responsible for our performance in the tournament?

1698448355957.jpeg

It just feels wrong to me to replace a good social media manager like him with a corrupt gambler like Umar Farooq Kalson. You have to agree that it’s bad optics. Especially mid-tournament.
 
The PCB fired the Social Media Manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi mid-tournament. Why get rid of him? Why is he responsible for our performance in the tournament?

View attachment 138365

It just feels wrong to me to replace a good social media manager like him with a corrupt gambler like Umar Farooq Kalson. You have to agree that it’s bad optics. Especially mid-tournament.
His sacking obviously has nothing to do with on-field performances but I would agree that there was no point in asking him to leave in the middle of the tournament. This situation should have been handled after the World Cup.
 
The PCB fired the Social Media Manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi mid-tournament. Why get rid of him? Why is he responsible for our performance in the tournament?

View attachment 138365

It just feels wrong to me to replace a good social media manager like him with a corrupt gambler like Umar Farooq Kalson. You have to agree that it’s bad optics. Especially mid-tournament.
Its cost saving. Why need a social media manager now as the campaign is kind of over
 
The PCB fired the Social Media Manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi mid-tournament. Why get rid of him? Why is he responsible for our performance in the tournament?

View attachment 138365

It just feels wrong to me to replace a good social media manager like him with a corrupt gambler like Umar Farooq Kalson. You have to agree that it’s bad optics. Especially mid-tournament.

Apparently the PCB suspects he has been the one leaking internal team things to the media.
 
Some reporter mentioned it in an interview
I doubt he would ever do that. He's well educated and a professional in his role. In fact, I heard the exact opposite.

Charge sheet against Nagi is:
1). He roams around in shorts.
2). Doesn’t give inside news to us.
3). Doesn’t provide players to us for interviews.
4). Sits with Aus/Ind media in press box.

Basically, PCB wanted him gone because he's not a goon.
 
PCB’s vigilance department, whose duty is to monitor the activities of players, coaches, managers, and other staff of the board did not take action against PCB’s media head Umar Kalson, who was spotted in a casino in Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup but has now been sent to India for the World Cup as a replacement for the team’s media manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi.W

DAWN
 
Currently all news from PCB is being delivered via series of leaks.

We see this everyday and then the news is confirmed 3 days later.

How is this organization being run?
 
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday sacked Umar Farooq as media manager over poor performance during recently concluded Cricket World Cup 2023.
 
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday sacked Umar Farooq as media manager over poor performance during recently concluded Cricket World Cup 2023.
How can a cricket team’s media manager perform poorly?

Did he have a poor economy rate in something that he is supposed to specialise in as the media manager?
 
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday sacked Umar Farooq as media manager over poor performance during recently concluded Cricket World Cup 2023.

The guy was unprofessional and a huge liability. They decided to let him go before he could cause any more damage. There were a lot of media leaks under his watch as well.
 
The guy was unprofessional and a huge liability. They decided to let him go before he could cause any more damage. There were a lot of media leaks under his watch as well.

PCB really need to get their act together for this post. Key role.
 
Pakistan team's current head of media Umar Farooq Kalson and board's GM (International Cricket) Adnan Ali are under scanner after pictures and video footages emerged of the duo visiting a Colombo casino. Both are in Colombo in official capacity as a part of the Pakistani contingent for the ongoing Asia Cup and visiting a gambling den is sure to attract attention of ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit as it is one of the prohibited places as per code of conduct. Many Pakistani fans on social media questioned how officials of the PCB could be so "immature" and "careless" as to indulge in gambling.

Many criticised the trend of many PCB officials going on to Colombo during the Asia Cup on official visits.

A PCB source said that at least 15-20 PCB officials had travelled o and fro between Colombo and Lahore while some were stationed there permanently as Pakistan was the official host of the Asia Cup.

After some Pakistani news channels ran headlines, the two officials in the Casino later clarified that they had only gone to the Casino to have dinner, a claim ridiculed by all and sundry on social media and also by some former test players.

“Who goes to a Casino to have food. Who goes to a gambling joint to have food. Who are they trying to fool," cricket writer Omair Alavi said.

The source said the two PCB officials shouldn't have gone to the Casino where gambling was taking place.

"They could face strict disciplinary action on return,” he added.

The PCB's Cricket Management Committee, according to him, would be hard pressed to ignore the incident despite the clarification from the two officials.

Former Test opener Mohsin Khan also expressed surprise at the irresponsible behaviour of the two PCB officials to go to a Casino during the tournament.

Ironically during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Pakistan's former captain Moin Khan who was manager and chief selector with the team, was called back to Pakistan in the middle of the tournament after he and his wife were spotted at a Casino in Christchurch before a match against West Indies.

Moin also claimed his innocence that they had gone to have dinner but the then PCB Chairman, Shaharyar Khan made it clear that Moin had breached the team's and his contractual code of conduct.

Khan at that time had justified his strong action to recall and then sack Moin by pointing out that all PCB officials and players had to adhere to the board's and ICC's Anti-Corruption Code which strictly advised against visiting places where gambling takes place or there are increased chances of corruption.

Apparently one senior official was even given a dressing down by Jay Shah during a meeting in Pallekele.

The ACC chairman and BCCI supremo Shah apparently reacted strongly to some of the comments made by the PCB official at the meeting.

NDTV
big surprise, PCB on purpose hire these shady people. Atleast under Ramiz Rajas time, his cricket knowledge sucks but you cant doubt his intentions
 
You need to look at the people who are hiring such people, they should be held responsible for such appointments.

Recently the PCB has become a laughing stock in terms of the people they have hired and fired.
 
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