Pakistani cricketer Aamer Jamal has found himself at the center of controversy after reportedly writing “804” on his cap, a number speculated to reference jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s prison batch. This act of perceived political symbolism has drawn the ire of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), resulting in a hefty fine for the 28-year-old cricketer. Reports suggest the penalty amounts to approximately INR 4.5 lakh. While the official reason cited is indiscipline, many believe the punishment is linked to Jamal’s subtle nod to Imran Khan, who remains a polarizing figure in Pakistan’s political landscape. Imran Khan, once a celebrated cricket captain, is currently serving time in prison on corruption charges. The incident highlights the intersection of sports and politics, as athletes often face scrutiny for expressing views beyond the field.

The PCB’s crackdown isn’t limited to Jamal alone. Several other players have also been penalized for disciplinary breaches during recent tours. For instance, Salaman Agha, Saim Ayub, and Abdullah Shafique were fined for returning late to the team hotel during the Australia tour. Similarly, Usman Khan and Abbas Afridi faced consequences for similar infractions during the South Africa tour. Notably, Salaman Agha, despite being the captain of Pakistan’s T20 squad, was overlooked for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were excluded from the T20 squad due to poor performance in the Champions Trophy, though they remain part of the ODI team. These developments underscore the PCB’s stricter stance on discipline and accountability within the national cricket team.