Asia Cup 2023: PCB officials under scanner after being spotted at casino in Colombo

Umar Farooq Kalson, media manager for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and Adnan Ali, general manager for international cricket, have come under scanner after being spotted at a casino in Colombo during the Asia Cup 2023.

Notably, the officials' actions are likely to draw the attention of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit, given visiting gambling institutions is strictly prohibited under the world cricket body's Anti-Corruption Code. Following the widespread criticism, Kalson and Ali stated that their visit to the casino was for dinner, which was confirmed by the restaurant.

Omair Alavi, a cricket writer, questioned the officials' statement, asking 'Who are they trying to fool.' 

“Who goes to a Casino to have food. Who goes to a gambling joint to have food. Who are they trying to fool. Not many are buying the explanation that they went to a casino just for dinner. It’s a bit hard to swallow," Alavi was quoted as saying by The Tribune.
 
Fans have labeled them "immature" and "careless," and also questioned their professionalism. Meanwhile, journalist Shakil Shaikh expressed his thoughts on X, recalling a similar incident from the past.

"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 wrote on X while sharing the video of PCB officials at the casino.

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… pic.twitter.com/eRoF534xD1

— Shakil Shaikh (@shakilsh58) September 9, 2023

During the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Moin Khan, Pakistan’s former captain who also acted as manager and chief selector, was spotted at a casino in Christchurch with his wife a day before the match against the West Indies.

While Moin Khan, in his justification, claimed that the visit was strictly for dinner, then PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan clarified that his actions were against the code of conduct. Shaharyar Khan, the then-PCB chairman, confirmed that Moin Khan's activities were against the code of conduct, despite his argument that the visit was only for dinner.