On Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a video tribute celebrating the nation’s cricketing history and achievements. However, the absence of former cricketer and political figure Imran Khan, a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s cricket history, triggered controversy and accusations of political motivations. The omission drew criticism from fans, former players like Wasim Akram, and the general public. In response to the backlash, the PCB reissued the video with Imran Khan now prominently featured, emphasizing his role in Pakistan’s cricket journey.
The initial video, which chronicled Pakistan’s cricket history from its international debut in 1952 to the 2022 T20 World Cup, conspicuously excluded any mention of Imran Khan. Given Imran’s towering influence on the cricketing landscape and his role in Pakistan’s iconic 1992 World Cup victory, the omission was met with confusion and disappointment from cricket enthusiasts.
Former cricketer Wasim Akram, an iconic figure himself, expressed his dissatisfaction over the omission. He conveyed his shock and dismay at the exclusion of Imran Khan, labeling him an “icon of world cricket” and asserting that despite political differences, Imran’s contribution to Pakistan’s cricket history could not be denied. Akram went on to call for the removal of the video and an apology from the PCB.
“After long flights and hours of transit before reaching Sri Lanka, I got the shock of my life when I watched PCB’s short clip on the history of Pakistan cricket minus the great Imran Khan… political differences apart but Imran Khan is an icon of world cricket and developed Pakistan into a strong unit in his time and gave us a pathway… PCB should delete the video and apologise,” Akram had posted on X.
Acknowledging the backlash, the PCB issued an explanation for the omission. The board revealed that the video had been abridged due to its length, leading to the exclusion of certain significant clips. However, they promised to rectify the oversight in the complete version of the video.
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“The PCB has launched a promotional campaign leading up to the CWC 2023. One of the videos was uploaded on 14th August 2023. Due to its length, the video was abridged and some important clips were missing. This has been rectified in the complete version of the video,” the PCB wrote.
The PCB has launched a promotional campaign leading up to the CWC 2023. One of the videos was uploaded on 14th August 2023. Due to its length, the video was abridged and some important clips were missing. This has been rectified in the complete version of the video ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Rz2OBDyI9i
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 16, 2023
The updated version of the video sought to address the concerns by featuring Imran Khan prominently. The revised video highlights Imran’s role in Pakistan’s cricket history, particularly during the 1992 World Cup victory. His presence is showcased in pivotal moments, reinforcing his significance in shaping the nation’s cricketing journey.
