Herschelle Gibbs confirms participation in inaugural Kashmir Premier League

Former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs has confirmed his selection in the controversy marred Kashmir Premier League. The former Protea was one of the first cricketers who was drafted for the white-ball tournament. Despite the tournament facing a lot of backlash from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he has not stood back. 

As a matter of fact, Gibbs decided to take to his Twitter handle to announce that he will be participating in the league. The main dispute is between the BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), one of the main organizers of the tournament. KPL is being played in the Azad Kashmir between August 6 and 16. 

India and Pakistan have been involved in political tensions ever since the partition in 1947. The main focus of this dispute has been over territory in Kashmir. A part of Kashmir is being controlled by India while there is another part that is controlled by Pakistan. Over the years, this has resulted in several border disputes and wars between the two countries. 

Monty Panesar pulls out of the Kashmir Premier League

Gibbs had revealed recently that the BCCI had warned him not to take part in the KPL. He also said that the board had warned that Gibbs could be restricted from entering the country. The 44-year-old stated that the board was making it all political. According to a report on CricketAddictor, BCCI has barred Gibbs and he won’t be allowed to work in any cricket-related activity in India. 

PCB has also expressed their displeasure in how BCCI has approached the issue. BCCI ended up writing to the International Cricket Council, asking them not to recognize the tournament. Former English spinner Monty Panesar announced recently that he would be withdrawing from the Kashmir Premier League as he was advised by the BCCI to do so. 

Panesar, who is of Punjabi descent, had said that he has a lot of friends, family and relatives in India and did not want to risk anything. Hence, he decided to pull out of the six-team tournament. All of that has not stopped Gibbs from openly admitting his participation in the league. 

All set for the @t20kpl and @overseaswarriors … #t20 #kashmirvalley #kpl #overseaswarriors #pakistan #cricket https://t.co/HxwgtNH08L

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) August 7, 2021