Herschelle Gibbs defies BCCI, will come to Pakistan

President Kashmir Premier League (KPL) Arif Malik on Monday said that former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs is coming to Pakistan despite threats from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), reports Geo News.

Malik said that India should understand that players are coming to play cricket in the KPL, adding that this is not politics.

“Herschelle Gibbs is coming to Pakistan despite threats [from the BCCI],” he said, adding that India also stopped international commentators from participating in the KPL and that the league is trying to bring in more foreign players for the tournament.

He hoped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not block players’ NOC for the tournament.

The KPL chief said people in Indian Occupied Kashmir are also excited about the tournament and said that the league is working to ensure they can also catch the action live on TV.

Meanwhile, England’s veteran spinner Monty Panesar has excused himself from participating in the league.

Taking to Twitter, Panesar confirmed that he has decided not to participate in the KPL. The former left-arm spinner feared he would have to face grave consequences if he participates in KPL.

I have decided not to participate in the KPL because of the political tensions between India and Pakistan over kashmir issues. I don't want to be in the middle of this , it would make me feel uncomfortable. #KPL2021 #Kashmir #india #Cricket #Pakistan #ENGvIND #TheHundred

— Monty Panesar (@zkp_scroll) August 1, 2021

Earlier on July 31, South African cricketer Herschelle had slammed the BCCI for threatening players and stopping them from playing in the KPL.

Completely unnecessary of the @BCCI to bring their political agenda with Pakistan into the equation and trying to prevent me playing in the @kpl_20 . Also threatening me saying they won’t allow me entry into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous 🙄

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) July 31, 2021