Azam came to bat for Karachi Whites with an image of the Palestine flag printed on the back of his bat. He was fined 50 percent of his match fee for breaking clothing and equipment regulations related to unapproved logos or political messaging. Azam had used the stickers in two previous matches in the competition without receiving a warning.

Article 2.4 of the PCB Code of Conduct says that “Players and team officials are not permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their equipment unless approved in advance by both player or team official’s cricket association and PCB Cricket Operations Department.”

The decision to fine Azam for the stickers generated controversy over social media, especially given that the PCB had previously defended Pakistan players who expressed solidarity with Palestine during the 2023 men’s World Cup as a personal decision.

What ? Are you serious ?

Azam Khan has been fined 50% of his match fee for Palestine sticker on his bat. pic.twitter.com/VWrP0osz7O

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) November 26, 2023

Good evening @TheRealPCB – To fine #AzamKhan for showing support with #Palestine is gross. Really gross. #WeStandWithAzamKhan pic.twitter.com/2DJIZfD4O0

— Bea (@HerNameIs_Bea) November 26, 2023

In the wake of the backlash, the PCB issued a statement today (November 28), announcing that they would waive Azam’s fine. However, they provided no detail on the reasoning behind the U-turn.

Azam scored 45 runs off 31 balls in the match in question, but Lahore Blues were still able to claim a five-wicket win.