PCB complains to ICC over 'offensive' India vs Pakistan World Cup commercial on sports channel

The irritated Pakistan Cricket Board has filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about a television commercial (TVC) by host broadcaster Star Sports which they have found ‘objectionable’.

In fact, the ICC mandarins have had a quiet word with the broadcasters and told them about PCB’s objections with regards to the TVC. In fact, top BCCI officials are in knowledge of the issue but have stayed away as this doesn’t concern them.

“Yes, Ehsan Mani on behalf of PCB has intimated the ICC raising objection on the content of the TVC. I am not sure if Mani has written a letter or had telephonic conversation, but we have come to know that an objection has been raised,” a senior BCCI official privy to the controversy told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

In their build up to Sunday’s marquee World Cup encounter here, the Star Sports released a TVC, an extension of the infamous and crass ‘Mauka Mauka’ advertisement where the Indian fan terms himself as Pakistani fan’s ‘baap’ (father).

In the commercial, a Bangladeshi fan can be seen asking a Pakistani fan about Sunday’s encounter. The Pakistani says that his ‘Abbu’ (father) used to tell him that one should keep trying and suddenly an Indian fan says “Maine kab kahaa” (When did I tell you?).

It has been learnt that ICC has already spoken to the Star Sports on this issue. For the global body, the bigger issue is the build up to the Bangladesh game and they are expecting there won’t be any more TVCs that create unnecessary controversy.

Meanwhile, representatives of an Indian channel had their accreditation cancelled for violating the ICC NRH (Non Rights Holders) clause.

The match number 22 of the ICC World Cup 2019 to feature arch-rival India and Pakistan facing each other at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Statistically, India has an edge over Pakistan as they have never lost to them in any World Cup and the record still stands 6-0. 

(With inputs from PTI)