PCB warns players against talking to media without permission

Karachi:

The Pakistan Cricket Board has warned its centrally contracted players of serious penalities if they speak to media without prior permission.

The restriction came after Imran Nazir, who will return to the national side for the one- day series in Sri Lanka, appeared on several television shows without informing the cricket board.

The opener was summoned to the PCB headquarters by Chief Operating Officer Saleem Altaf and reminded of his contractual obligations.

"The players have an obligation to follow their contractual terms. They are paid and given bonuses because of these contractual clauses. They also have a responsibility to follow the clauses in letter and spirit," Altaf said.

Nazir, who is one of the four players to have been recalled to the national side after breaking their ties with unauthorized Indian Cricket League, was warned that in future he would face strict action if he persisted in giving interviews on the media.

Sources said that Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed had also been told to remind the players in Sri Lanka off their contractual obligations.

One source said that Nazir had apologized to the Board and promised to adhere to the contractual terms in future.

The source said other players including Shahid Afridi have also been reminded of their contractual obligations.