"We've had information from foreign players & their agents BCCI's pressurising them to not play KPL"

[MenInG]

"We've had information from foreign players & their agents BCCI's pressurising them to not play KPL"

As per release by KPL:

BCCI officials have contacted ECB and SA Cricket officials and asked them to stop their players from participating in the KPL

They have threatened to ban the players from entering India if they participate in the KPL

Subsequently, ECB and SA Board have banned the these players from participating in the league

KPL have apologized to the rest of the foreign players as they have now decided to give opportunity to more local players instead of foreign players.

==

KARACHI: England players have withdrawn from Kashmir Premier League (KPL) due to Indian pressure, sources told ARY News.

Four players including Monty Panesar, Matt Prior, Phil Mustard, and Owais Shah have withdrawn from KPL due to Indian pressure.

According to the sources, India threatened the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to suspend their players from playing in their country if they send players to Pakistan for KPL. In reaction, ECB stopped its players from participating in KPL.

On the other hand, KPL management took notice of this management and decided to not include any foreign player. South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs and Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan were told that KPL will now base on just local players.

But, Dilshan have decided to play despite all odds and represent Muzaffarabad Tigers in KPL, the owner of the franchise Arshad Khan Tanoli confirmed.

In this regard, KPL have opened up a list of local players once again and they will replace all foreigners. KPL is scheduled from August 6 to 16 in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir.

 

[Titan24]

Retired Eng players robbed off some good easy money if that's the case. No loss for KPL in terms of cricket quality as any active local player would be better the than the retired foreign players. More opportunities for local players.

 

[Saj]

Strange one really as most of the foreign players due to play in KPL are retired. So what would BCCI get out of stopping them playing in the KPL.

 

[Saj]

Kashmir Premier League "we have had information from foreign players and their agents that the BCCI is pressurising them to not play in the KPL"

Kashmir Premier League "if foreign players have to pull out of the KPL due to pressure then we will replace them with Pakistani international players who were not picked in the draft"

 

[street cricketer]

Yeah not buying it.

Why would the likes of Gibbs and Panesar refrain from participating when they're retired from playing the game even in their own countries..

 

[Last Monetarist]

Official statement:

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/n3hi34" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

 

[Mesozoic]

Publicity stunt 101

 

[Major]

I was against KPL as its threatens PSL.

However, if it bothers Indian Govt that much might aswell support it.

Maybe India fears that Kashmir will get more international importance through this league.

 

[offstump]

Yeah not buying it.

Why would the likes of Gibbs and Panesar refrain from participating when they're retired from playing the game even in their own countries..

Well according to the article, if you read it, they would be banned from entering India if they played in this league.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

This predatory and evil behavior is pathetic and politicizes the great game.

BCCI are a menace to cricket's future.

 

[Napa]

Well according to the article, if you read it, they would be banned from entering India if they played in this league.

I didn't realize that Matt Prior, Phil Mustard, and Owais Shah were so keen to visit India

 

[Snowflake]

Nothing surprising about this

 

[MenInG]

I am finding it hard to believe that BCCI is trying to stop Monty Panesar to play there.

If anything its the GOI who would want no recognition of AJK who could be doing this.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

I find it really hard to believe too. If Moeen Ali and Rash can tour India even though they are Mirpuris than why would these foreign players be made scapegoat? It does not make any sense. Real reason for players backing out could be COVID or financial issues.

 

[bala977]

I am sorry, I have said this before, but Pak cricket fans are also big fans of conspiracy theories and this is one such that - utter nonsense! As long as BCCI is the villain, park cricket fans will believe anything …

 

[Bewal Express]

I didn't realize that Matt Prior, Phil Mustard, and Owais Shah were so keen to visit India

Players have to livings to earn and have to consider the possibility that they may have to go to Ind in the future. These players didn't just withdraw after making themselves available for the draft, something has happened. Would it surprise you that the BCCI would stoop so low?

 

[Bewal Express]

I am sorry, I have said this before, but Pak cricket fans are also big fans of conspiracy theories and this is one such that - utter nonsense! As long as BCCI is the villain, park cricket fans will believe anything …&#55357;&#56900;&#55357;&#56900;

Why would these players make themselves available for the draft only to withdraw now?

 

[bala977]

Sometimes, I get tired of the naïveté of some of the posters here - I am sure this is a stunt by KPL to kickstart some fund raising … and probably the easiest way to raise funds among Pak cricket fans is to say that they are being threatened by BCCI - oh well…

 

[shujaatraza]

Sometimes, I get tired of the naïveté of some of the posters here - I am sure this is a stunt by KPL to kickstart some fund raising … and probably the easiest way to raise funds among Pak cricket fans is to say that they are being threatened by BCCI - oh well…

Then why would all players pull out? If KPL is doing a publicity stunt then it is pretty easy for all these players to come out and call KPL liars. I feel there is some truth to what KPL is saying.

 

[offstump]

Here’s what Herschelle Gibbs has to say.. doesn’t sound made up the more we hear from other cricketers.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Completely unnecessary of the <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> to bring their political agenda with Pakistan into the equation and trying to prevent me playing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/kpl_20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kpl_20</a> . Also threatening me saying they won’t allow me entry into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous &#55357;&#56900;</p>— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1421283813171384320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Ashmal]

Yeah not buying it.

Why would the likes of Gibbs and Panesar refrain from participating when they're retired from playing the game even in their own countries..

They might be eyeing coaching or commentary gigs in India/IPL in the future

 

[Ashmal]

I am finding it hard to believe that BCCI is trying to stop Monty Panesar to play there.

If anything its the GOI who would want no recognition of AJK who could be doing this.

BCCI and GOI are same anyways....Amit Shah's son runs BCCI

 

[redmaverik84]

Really sad and showing insecurity by BCCI if this is true...

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Some people seem surprised here but this is merely the natural progression of BCCI's bullying tactics

 

[Snowflake]

Publicity stunt 101

I didn't realize that Matt Prior, Phil Mustard, and Owais Shah were so keen to visit India

I am sorry, I have said this before, but Pak cricket fans are also big fans of conspiracy theories and this is one such that - utter nonsense! As long as BCCI is the villain, park cricket fans will believe anything …

I think a humble pie is in the offing for you lads. Please refer to Gibbs' own tweet.

 

[Snowflake]

Let's see how many Indians condemn the BCCI on this and suggest them to take the moral high road, show good neighborly relations to Pak, support Pak's cricket development etc etc... Just like so many Pakistanis who offer this kind of unsolicited brotherhood to our dear neighbors on the west!

 

[Giannis]

If the ICC had a spine they'd penalize India for government interference and politicizing the game

 

[Napa]

I think a humble pie is in the offing for you lads. Please refer to Gibbs' own tweet.

Not saying that BCCI wouldn't try to deprive KPL of players, but the idea that Matt Prior, Phil Mustard, and Owais Shah would put a high value on being able to visit India is rather strange.

 

[MenInG]

Here’s what Herschelle Gibbs has to say.. doesn’t sound made up the more we hear from other cricketers.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Completely unnecessary of the <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> to bring their political agenda with Pakistan into the equation and trying to prevent me playing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/kpl_20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kpl_20</a> . Also threatening me saying they won’t allow me entry into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous ��</p>— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1421283813171384320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Think that settles the issue.

BCCI the sporting arm of the BJP.

 

[Giannis]

I am sorry, I have said this before, but Pak cricket fans are also big fans of conspiracy theories and this is one such that - utter nonsense! As long as BCCI is the villain, park cricket fans will believe anything …&#55357;&#56900;&#55357;&#56900;

Aren't you engaging in the same? The players and league said the BCCI/Indian government has been black balling them but you deny that & claim it's some kind of conspiracy to raise money and get publicity, y'all are so tone deaf

 

[redmaverik84]

Now that there is furore created over it, BCCI will hopefully wrap its tail and withdraw this diktat. I thought ICC was in the habit of banning cricket boards over political interference or atleast threaten to.

 

[MenInG]

Now that there is furore created over it, BCCI will hopefully wrap its tail and withdraw this diktat. I thought ICC was in the habit of banning cricket boards over political interference or atleast threaten to.

May well be some misguided individual in the organization trying to please his bosses. Let's see if BCCI will comment on this.

 

[KyoOne]

Not saying that BCCI wouldn't try to deprive KPL of players, but the idea that Matt Prior, Phil Mustard, and Owais Shah would put a high value on being able to visit India is rather strange.

The article says that ECB has stopped these players from participating due to BCCI pressure.

It seems that they are bullying both the cricket boards and individual players who have signed up for the league

 

[KyoOne]

Horrible attitude from BCCI. Why is it getting b**thurt at foreign representation in KPL?

I thought Ganguly was more mature than this. Or it seems the BCCI is being run solely by the son of Modi's right hand, hate-mongering Amit Shah

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I am sorry, I have said this before, but Pak cricket fans are also big fans of conspiracy theories and this is one such that - utter nonsense! As long as BCCI is the villain, park cricket fans will believe anything …

You should actually feel sorry about your own self.

Do take a lesson here, and try to go beyond the limit of your preconceived and closed mindset where YOU have been made to believe what they want you to believe.

Truth may not be what they have made it look to be the truth to you.

The only victim of brainwashing is actually you, not anyone else.


Salute to Gibbs to show the bravery and exposing the bigotry of BJP’s influenced BCCI.

Now man up, and condemn BJP for mixing sports with politics.

Here’s what Herschelle Gibbs has to say.. doesn’t sound made up the more we hear from other cricketers.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Completely unnecessary of the <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> to bring their political agenda with Pakistan into the equation and trying to prevent me playing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/kpl_20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kpl_20</a> . Also threatening me saying they won’t allow me entry into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous ��</p>— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1421283813171384320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Think Gibbs has inserted himself into a political debate... expect him to do a climbdown soon.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Remember u r dealing with a fascist Modi govt! <a href="https://t.co/VuBJN2FMDX">https://t.co/VuBJN2FMDX</a></p>— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1421364405795794945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[gani999]

Yeah not buying it.

Why would the likes of Gibbs and Panesar refrain from participating when they're retired from playing the game even in their own countries..

And it's not like these guys are IPL stars who will lose out if BCCI decides to take action on them for participating in the KPL. They can always give the BCCI the middle finger and participate in any tournament of their choice. No one is forcing anything.

 

[Sycamore]

Scummy behaviour from scummy people. Everyday even Afridi's comments are proven true.

 

[Major]

Sometimes, I get tired of the naïveté of some of the posters here - I am sure this is a stunt by KPL to kickstart some fund raising … and probably the easiest way to raise funds among Pak cricket fans is to say that they are being threatened by BCCI - oh well…

Gibbs has tweeted and confirmed this.

Now i wonder how indian fans will try to deny it.

 

[ahsan17]

Gibbs has tweeted and confirmed this.

Now i wonder how indian fans will try to deny it.

They won't deny it. They will justify why BCCI is OK to do this.

 

[MenInG]

 

[Rana]

Looks like Gibbs is doing all the right things that would ensure his job with KK and possibly as Pakistan head coach in the future

 

[Major]

Funny how the indian posters who sit on computers and not knowing anything make claims like oh its fake news, its a conspiracy even though many players who pulled out informed the board.

Thank god gibbs tweeted it aswell

 

[KyoOne]

Looks like Gibbs is doing all the right things that would ensure his job with KK and possibly as Pakistan head coach in the future

Nope.

He's just calling out spade a spade.

He had the same attitude when he was an analyst on PTV few years ago

 

[ahsan17]

And it's not like these guys are IPL stars who will lose out if BCCI decides to take action on them for participating in the KPL. They can always give the BCCI the middle finger and participate in any tournament of their choice. No one is forcing anything.

That's how mafia and corrupt individuals often work. Sometimes, they technically aren't forcing their victims into doing something they don't want to do, but they are basically give them two bad choices, therefore effectively forcing them into doing something.

Going to use an example here. Suppose you want to work at a company but the interviewer said they will only hire you if you gift them $100k. Technically no one is being forced to do anything, but something like this should be illegal. Same is the case with KPL. You probably know this but because of your love for BJP you are forced to defend the indefensible.

 

[Major]

Retired Eng players robbed off some good easy money if that's the case. No loss for KPL in terms of cricket quality as any active local player would be better the than the retired foreign players. More opportunities for local players.

To be honest. Some of the players playing this league are ridiculous.

There are alot of sifarshis playing.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

So the alegations were proven to be true.

At first, I too found it hard to believe but sad to see it to be true.

BCCI is practically headed by Jay Shah.

A complete and utter dakkan of the first order.

Awaiting some weak lame excuse in 3....2....1.

 

[Rajdeep]

This is very poor stuff from BCCI if true. Not sure under which jurisdiction they are trying to stop foreign players from participating in foreign league. Just mind your own business man and focus on Indian cricket.

Having said that not sure if Gibbs is speaking the truth. The fact that so many Pak ministers immidiately re-tweeting his tweet makes me a bit suspocious if he was asked to tweet that to propagate anti India stuff. After all we all know Gibbs, his history and what he can do for money. He was also the same guy who racially abused Pakistanis in 2007 and was banned for 2 tests.

Also, KPL is no threat to IPL...so not sure why BCCI would act like that. They never threatened players participating in PSL and many players plays both in IPL and PSL.

So if this news is true...awful stuff from BCCI. But 'if true' is the key word here as I smell some conspiracy on Gibbs tweet.

 

[Saj]

Sometimes, I get tired of the naïveté of some of the posters here - I am sure this is a stunt by KPL to kickstart some fund raising … and probably the easiest way to raise funds among Pak cricket fans is to say that they are being threatened by BCCI - oh well…

I guess Gibbs is making it all up also.

 

[silentkiller187]

This is very poor stuff from BCCI if true. Not sure under which jurisdiction they are trying to stop foreign players from participating in foreign league. Just mind your own business man and focus on Indian cricket.

Having said that not sure if Gibbs is speaking the truth. The fact that so many Pak ministers immidiately re-tweeting his tweet makes me a bit suspocious if he was asked to tweet that to propagate anti India stuff. After all we all know Gibbs, his history and what he can do for money. He was also the same guy who racially abused Pakistanis in 2007 and was banned for 2 tests.

Also, KPL is no threat to IPL...so not sure why BCCI would act like that. They never threatened players participating in PSL and many players plays both in IPL and PSL.

So if this news is true...awful stuff from BCCI. But 'if true' is the key word here as I smell some conspiracy on Gibbs tweet.

Stop trying to find excuses, the tweet from Gibbs should be sufficient in proving BCCI acting like a mafia, and mixing politics and sport. Even by BCCI standards they have outdone themselves this time, awful stuff..ban Pakistanis from ipl is one thing, but what’s next stopping teams from touring Pakistan .

 

[Devadwal]

Let's see how many Indians condemn the BCCI on this and suggest them to take the moral high road, show good neighborly relations to Pak, support Pak's cricket development etc etc... Just like so many Pakistanis who offer this kind of unsolicited brotherhood to our dear neighbors on the west!

Why should Indian condemn it ? For indian people according to GoI All Kashmir is our so this is illigal .

 

[Rajdeep]

Stop trying to find excuses, the tweet from Gibbs should be sufficient in proving BCCI acting like a mafia, and mixing politics and sport. Even by BCCI standards they have outdone themselves this time, awful stuff..ban Pakistanis from ipl is one thing, but what’s next stopping teams from touring Pakistan .

My suspicion lies on your post itself. As you said, if BCCI wanted to hurt Pakistan they would stop players from participating in PSL. Its a better league which can give competition to IPL in future. What threat does KPL and retired players like Gibbs/Panesar etc pose to BCCI?

KPL, since the time it was announced was always used as political tool like anything related to Kashmir. The fact that within minutes of Gibbs tweet most Pak ministers re tweeting it calling action against facist Modi and Kashmir atrocity makes me suspicious if Gibbs was asked to tweet this to rake up the political angle.

But if Gibbs is indeed speaking the truth, then pathetic stuff from BCCI no doubt.

 

[UzmanBeast]

With the actions they've taken, BCCI has undoubtedly proven that they are an extension of the Indian Government incapable of distinguishing between sports and politics, and that they are incredibly immature.

KPL can be considered to be a local league which is using foreign retired players to gain some traction, and improve the standards of cricket in the Kashmir region.

The fact that BCCI had to stoop down to the level of a premature league and threaten foreign players from participating not only highlights their insecurity, but it also shows how backwards and mentally ignorant the leadership is.

This league has nothing to do with the BCCI, and it is unlikely to even pose a problem to international cricket, contrary to the IPL. It is at best just a local T20 league that will either succeed enough to bring some good players from Kashmir into the domestic setup, or it will fail and be forgotten.

Threatening ex-players is a level I didn't think BCCI would reach, and I hope that they get punished by the ICC for such unnecessary actions.

 

[UzmanBeast]

My suspicion lies on your post itself. As you said, if BCCI wanted to hurt Pakistan they would stop players from participating in PSL. Its a better league which can give competition to IPL in future. What threat does KPL and retired players like Gibbs/Panesar etc pose to BCCI?

KPL, since the time it was announced was always used as political tool like anything related to Kashmir. The fact that within minutes of Gibbs tweet most Pak ministers re tweeting it calling action against facist Modi and Kashmir atrocity makes me suspicious if Gibbs was asked to tweet this to rake up the political angle.

But if Gibbs is indeed speaking the truth, then pathetic stuff from BCCI no doubt.

I would have agreed with you regarding the KPL if they did not feature Kashmiri players. However, there is a separate player bracket for Kashmiris, thus showing that the league is simultaneously bringing Kashmiri players into the eyes of the domestic setup, which is an improvement for Pakistan cricket.

However, it is quite ironic that India asks Pakistan not to focus on its internal matters, but BCCI is meddling within our own cricketing matters.

If Gibbs speaks the truth, then it will clearly unravel BCCI's scheme to try and dissuade players and teams from participating within the PSL. I would not be surprised if they add a clause to IPL contracts preventing those players from participating in the PSL.

 

[MenInG]

Former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs has accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of "trying to prevent" him from participating in the inaugural Kashmir Premier League (KPL) and bringing their "political agenda with Pakistan into the equation".

Gibbs, who is a part of KPL franchise Overseas Warriors, made the accusation in a tweet, adding that the BCCI has also threatened of denying him entry in India if he participates in the league.

"Completely unnecessary of the BCCI to bring their political agenda with Pakistan into the equation and trying to prevent me playing in the KPL," the Proteas great said. "[They are] also threatening me saying they won’t allow me entry into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous."

Later, Gibbs told SportsKeeda that the person issuing the threat was BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. "It came from Mr Shah. (The) message was sent to Graeme smith who passed it on to me," he said.

Gibbs' allegation comes a day after former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif's made similar remarks. Latif, in a tweet, had said that the BCCI was "warning cricket boards that if their former players took part in Kashmir Premier League, they won’t be allowed entry in India or allowed to work in Indian cricket at any level or in any capacity."

The first-ever edition of KPL is scheduled to begin from August 6 and conclude on August 16. It comprises five franchises representing cities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while a sixth franchise named Overseas Warriors is reserved for overseas Kashmiris.

The T20 league, similar in stylings to the Pakistan Super League, will feature a mix of Pakistan's domestic and international talent.

DAWN

 

[cricketjoshila]

BCCI can stop anyone from participating in Indian cricket in any form. It may well decide to ban anyone who is part of the KPL from being part of Indian cricket and this right is of every cricket board.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Stop trying to find excuses, the tweet from Gibbs should be sufficient in proving BCCI acting like a mafia, and mixing politics and sport. Even by BCCI standards they have outdone themselves this time, awful stuff..ban Pakistanis from ipl is one thing, but what’s next stopping teams from touring Pakistan .

PCB has the right to say anyone associated with IPL cannot be part of pakistan cricket. ECB can say anyone part of Hundred cannot play BBL. Its the boards right.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Any cricketer can play anywhere their board allows them to. But every board has the right to decide who is associated with the cricket run by them.

 

[Mesozoic]

However, it is quite ironic that India asks Pakistan not to focus on its internal matters, but BCCI is meddling within our own cricketing matters.

Can i know how this would be "meddling"? (if indeed this development is true)

They're simply barring players who're playing a league in a disputed region governed by the Cricket board of the other disputant country. They're not putting a knife to their throats or something.

All these retired players are fully free to choose whatever they want. It's really funny to see all these "muh BCCI bad" comments without actually understanding the issue at hand.

And of course there's a pretty fat chance of all this being just another orchestrated political drama. Gibbs isn't really in a favor with his own board nor the BCCI so...

 

[Saj]

BCCI can stop anyone from participating in Indian cricket in any form. It may well decide to ban anyone who is part of the KPL from being part of Indian cricket and this right is of every cricket board.

They can. But how insecure is that. To resort to such actions is pretty low.

 

[Rana]

Publicity stunt 101

Legend

As usual, at liberty with reality

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Can i know how this would be "meddling"? (if indeed this development is true)

They're simply barring players who're playing a league in a disputed region governed by the Cricket board of the other disputant country. They're not putting a knife to their throats or something.

All these retired players are fully free to choose whatever they want. It's really funny to see all these "muh BCCI bad" comments without actually understanding the issue at hand.

And of course there's a pretty fat chance of all this being just another orchestrated political drama. Gibbs isn't really in a favor with his own board nor the BCCI so...

Reading all those Indian news channels has made you oblivious to the truth

 

[MenInG]

BCCI can stop anyone from participating in Indian cricket in any form. It may well decide to ban anyone who is part of the KPL from being part of Indian cricket and this right is of every cricket board.

I would say resorting to such tactics is a new low for any board? What cricket related argument is there for this action?

If not then its a political argument and BCCI, from what you told us before, is not a political entity.

 

[Devadwal]

They can. But how insecure is that. To resort to such actions is pretty low.

Foreginer players play PSL no one said anything but all the Pakistani including you know the reason why bcci/GOI apposing participate of foreign player in KPL . Kashmir the reasons behind it.

 

[Mesozoic]

Reading all those Indian news channels has made you oblivious to the truth

So no counter to my points. Expected.

 

[Ami]

I think some of you guys are missing the point here about Monty and Mustard etc.

BCCI seems to have threatened ECB that if these players were allowed to participate in KPL, they will not let their established players like Buttler, Stokes etc compete in IPL.

So, ECB have asked the players not to enter looking at the bigger picture.

But, why should Monty, Owais Shah care what ECB has to say, now that they are retired.

Anyway, good luck KPL, more T20 leagues the world over the better..bring it on.

 

[MenInG]

Some of the concerned players have been contacted by PakPassion but are understandably hesitant to speak at this moment.

 

[Ab Fan]

This is very poor stuff from BCCI if true. Not sure under which jurisdiction they are trying to stop foreign players from participating in foreign league. Just mind your own business man and focus on Indian cricket.

Having said that not sure if Gibbs is speaking the truth. The fact that so many Pak ministers immidiately re-tweeting his tweet makes me a bit suspocious if he was asked to tweet that to propagate anti India stuff. After all we all know Gibbs, his history and what he can do for money. He was also the same guy who racially abused Pakistanis in 2007 and was banned for 2 tests.

Also, KPL is no threat to IPL...so not sure why BCCI would act like that. They never threatened players participating in PSL and many players plays both in IPL and PSL.

So if this news is true...awful stuff from BCCI. But 'if true' is the key word here as I smell some conspiracy on Gibbs tweet.

Gibbs has always been a controversial man. He is among the last guys to expect that he will be speaking the truth. It seems quite suspicious to me.

KPL is no threat to IPL and there is no reason BCCI should be bothered with participation of foreign players in KPL. Gibbs seems to be told by someone that he should do these drama stuffs. He is a very practical guy who is not bothered with any criticism and accusations.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I would say resorting to such tactics is a new low for any board? What cricket related argument is there for this action?

If not then its a political argument and BCCI, from what you told us before, is not a political entity.

Kashmir according to Indian constitution is a part of India. BCCI governs cricket in every part of India. PCB organizing a cricket league in what India consider its part brings BCCI in the picture. GoI is within its rights to ask BCCI how cricket in Kashmir can be organised by PCB and how can BCCI allow that.

 

[Nov15]

Since when did monsoon become a good time to hold a cricket league in northern sub-continent? Mid-august is when it’s tense in Indian Kashmir with militant attacks & strike calls by separatists, to coincide with Independence Day. KPL’s promotional song is called “Azaadi anthem”. India would obviously suspect KPL to be an “establishment” project.

 

[cricketjoshila]

If BCCI wanted to hurt pakistan cricket, they would ban players playing in the PSL.

This is due to Kashmir.

 

[Saj]

Foreginer players play PSL no one said anything but all the Pakistani including you know the reason why bcci/GOI apposing participate of foreign player in KPL . Kashmir the reasons behind it.

The KPL is a small and new league and is no threat to the IPL or BCCI, so to behave like this is quite small-minded.

 

[cricketjoshila]

The KPL is a small and new league and is no threat to the IPL or BCCI, so to behave like this is quite small-minded.

KPL will be played in PoK. Thats the problem.

 

[MenInG]

Kashmir according to Indian constitution is a part of India. BCCI governs cricket in every part of India. PCB organizing a cricket league in what India consider its part brings BCCI in the picture. GoI is within its rights to ask BCCI how cricket in Kashmir can be organised by PCB and how can BCCI allow that.

Would be manly of BCCI to admit that in public so we can hear it from them instead of using underhand tactics.

Fact is that Mr. Shah has gone overboard to please his political masters and doesn't have the guts to state it openly.

Petty of BCCI and it's supporters but good to see the real face of this organization being exposed by the likes of Gibbs. Kudos to him.

 

[Saj]

KPL will be played in PoK. Thats the problem.

Well one man's PoK is another man's free Kashmir. Where does this end. Why politicise everything.

I think it's pretty low and desperate of BCCI to resort to such measures.

 

[Saj]

If BCCI wanted to hurt pakistan cricket, they would ban players playing in the PSL.

This is due to Kashmir.

I think you are living in cloud cuckoo land if you seriously believe that every person that BCCI wanted to ban would stop taking part in the PSL just because the BCCI threatened them.

 

[MenInG]

Since when did monsoon become a good time to hold a cricket league in northern sub-continent? Mid-august is when it’s tense in Indian Kashmir with militant attacks & strike calls by separatists, to coincide with Independence Day. KPL’s promotional song is called “Azaadi anthem”. India would obviously suspect KPL to be an “establishment” project.

I am guessing you have been following the progress of this league and it's setup for a while now.

If you were, you would not have been asking this question.

 

[Yk313]

Quite a few people here pointing at that KPL is not a competitor to IPL and asking what BCCI stands to gain from doing this KPL - after all, if BCCI were to engage in any such bullying they should have targeted PSL, right? A league with a higher profile and a potentially sizeable competitor in a few years’ time.

Not really.

1) KPL is indeed the target because any coverage, mingling and mention of the region draws repeated attention to the region. No oppressor / occupant wants to have any attention drawn to its actions and antics. Even something as simple as just the repeated mention if the name of the region globally is a detrimental. Imagine news channels over the world, to whatever extent, picking up on the event and reporting about. All those people who never followed the political situation but do follow the sport will now have heard the word Kashmir and may just look up the place online. At this point they may find more than just cricket related articles.

2) Interviews with players, regular updates, player profiling will inevitably include questions about normalcy in the region, questions like drives them etc. This will further underline the situation.

3) Overseas players, retired or not, but who have a following online coming to play in KPL means they will inevitably mingle with the locals inhabitants. This means that the overseas players will get to hear the version of the story from the locals instead of having to apply any discount factors to whatever is reported and misreported in international media. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if more hashtags come out of such future participation.

4) Tourism - easy one. Not too shabby a place and with more people seeing or hearing of this through cricket more people are likely to want to visit / return. The more the visitors, the more the word spreads.

Frankly, I have no clue to what extent the allegations are true. But the notion that KPL is insignificant to matter to BCCI is moot. It’s not the economics that is driving this one.

Also, before anyone lauds this as a post calling out IND let’s remember there are quite a few regions in PAK where PAK too may not want a lot of international media coverage, extended participation for sporting or other regions. A lot of this translates reasonably well to every oppressor / tyrant. And sadly a lot of countries, including PAK, have a chequered track record.

 

[Yk313]

I think some of you guys are missing the point here about Monty and Mustard etc.

BCCI seems to have threatened ECB that if these players were allowed to participate in KPL, they will not let their established players like Buttler, Stokes etc compete in IPL.

So, ECB have asked the players not to enter looking at the bigger picture.

But, why should Monty, Owais Shah care what ECB has to say, now that they are retired.

Anyway, good luck KPL, more T20 leagues the world over the better..bring it on.

I don’t understand. Are you saying BCCI said that if Panesar & Co. play KPL they would not let Buttler, Stokes & Co. participate in IPL?

Just want to be aligned before addressing this. Thanks!

 

[cricketjoshila]

I think you are living in cloud cuckoo land if you seriously believe that every person that BCCI wanted to ban would stop taking part in the PSL just because the BCCI threatened them.

Players commies coaches umpires can decide if they want to work with Indian cricket or PSL.

If not all, many will choose to play where they get paid more. Enough to damage PSL.

Its no secret which establishment can attract better talent because they have more resources.