'Such irresponsible statements' - PCB chief Wasim Khan reacts to Sarfaraz Ahmed's ball-tampering claims

Pakistan Super League 2020 has begun with all the six teams giving a tough fight to each other. It is quite a normal sight to watch that players sometimes get carried away with their emotions. The T20 tournament recently hogged the light when Quetta Gladiators skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed in the post-match conference claimed that Wahab Riaz did ball-tampering during the match and they have followed the protocols about the same. And now, PCB chief has come out with some strong words saying that no reports have been submitted to the match officials.

In a game between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, there were a couple of heated moments between Wahab Riaz and Jason Roy. But, there was something else that was mulling around as the fast bowler was alleged for changing the condition of the ball.

The skipper of Quetta Gladiators looked pretty vocal about the same saying that they have followed the procedure and submitted the reports to the umpire. But, it looks like there is nothing true in the statements that were given by Sarfaraz Ahmed in the post-match press conference.

Wasim Khan uses strong words in media over the claims of ball-tampering

Wasim Khan, the PCB chief has come out saying that if there was any such thing like ball-tampering, then the opposition must have submitted the reports to the officials by 6 pm on Monday but that never happened. He also added that the players should be aware of their statements without any formal confirmation or information. These sort of statements indirectly hit the credibility of the tournament.

He also urged everyone to just focus on the game as this is the first occasion that Pakistan Super League is being played in Pakistan. According to him, they have appointed a great panel of umpires who will take immediate action if any activity like ball-tampering is spotted.

“In this case, this should have been submitted to the match referee by 6 pm on Monday, 24 February. Such irresponsible statements without formal follow-up will only affect the integrity of the event and cast doubts on international cricketers, and, as such, I request the players to use caution and show responsibility,” Wasim Khan said as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

“We have an excellent panel of umpires who, as per the playing conditions, are carrying out due diligence during matches. If they will spot any artificial or unnatural interference with the ball, they will act as per the Code. I request all participants to uphold the spirit of the game and to focus solely on cricket.”

This is the first complete HBL PSL 2020 taking place in Pakistan and like every Pakistan cricket fan, we wish this to be a memorable 32 days for all the right reasons,” added Khan.

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