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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday made it clear that it would take no action against Pakistan vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq over his association with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise that is owned by a liquor baron.

A top PCB official told ‘The News’ that Misbah has broken no law by representing Bangalore Royal Challengers a franchise owned by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallaya adding that there is no need for an inquiry into the matter.

We don’t think any action against Misbah is required for representing (Bangalore) Royal Challengers, said Shafqat Naghmi, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer.

He is not promoting liquor or joining (the company’s) advertising campaign. He is just playing cricket for an IPL team, added Naghmi.

Naghmi said that Misbah called him from India on Tuesday to clarify the issue. ‘I had a chat with Misbah and told him not to worry about it and just concentrate on his batting,’ he said.

For the PCB Misbah’s association with Mallaya, who owns United Breweries (UB) group that produces famous Indian spirit brand Royal Challenge, is not an issue.

But for many in Pakistan, where alcohol is banned by law, it is a big deal.

In the past, the PCB traditionally discouraged its players from associating themselves with alcohol brands.

But Naghmi said that Misbah cannot be stopped from playing in the IPL just because the team he is representing is owned by a liquor-producing company. What we can do is ask him (Misbah) not to appear in any commercial endorsing liquor or be a part of any other advertising campaign, he said.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Match to be played on Wednesday

Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai. Start at 7.30pm PST

Points Table

Team P W L Pts NRR

Rajasthan 6 5 1 10 +0.873

Punjab 7 5 2 10 +0.442

Delhi 6 4 2 8 +0.761

Chennai 6 4 2 8 +0.176

Kolkata 6 2 4 4 +0.482

Mumbai 6 2 4 4 -0.889

Bangalore 7 2 5 4 -1.426

Deccan 6 1 5 2 -0.200

(correct upto the start of Tuesday’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers at Chennai)

Source:Cricket News

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