New Zealand Cricket Board Issues Mohammed Amir apology

The New Zealand Cricket Board issued an apology to the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding the taunt to 23-year-old Pakistani pacer Mohammed Amir. The need for apology came about when stadium announcer Mark McLeod played a cash-till sound just before Amir bowled his first ball. The sound played was meant to be a taunt for the tainted Mohammed Amir.

Amir had been found guilty of spot-fixing in Pakistan’s 2010 tour of England. The left-arm fast bowler, who had bowled coherent no-balls, was imprisoned for six months following which he was banned for five years.

The cash-till sound incident occurred in the first T20 international between New Zealand and Pakistan at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Stadium announcer on the day, Mark McLeod’s clients include New Zealand Rugby, New Zealand Cricket, Wellington Rugby/Hurricanes and Wellington Cricket.

Following the infamous incident, McLeod posted on his Linkedin page, “Have presented over 1000 events since I began in 1995. Responsible for all sound issues at most venues. Own and operate my own sound system for cricket and rugby matches as well as play all music and present all aspects of games. M/C and DJ, operator and director in many cases.”

Defending himself following the incident, a Linkedin post from McLeod read “It all comes back to music!”

New Zealand’s Cricket Chief Executive’s statement read, “I think it was inappropriate and disrespectful, and has the effect of trivialising one of the biggest issues facing cricket at the moment. I’ve contacted the Pakistan team management to apologise, and to assure them there will be no repeat.”

Pakistan ended up on the losing side in the 1^st T20I and will be looking to bounce back in the 3^rd match on the 31^st of January.