IMG Reliance on Sunday announced that it has pulled out from broadcasting the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2019) in the wake of Pulwama terrorist attack.
On Thursday evening, at least 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in a terror attack at the Pulwama district of Jammu-Kashmir while many are battling for their lives. The terror attack in Pulwama is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir.
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As IMG Reliance was the only producer of the tournament, the development means Pakistan’s T20 domestic league will go off air unless the PCB brings in an alternate production services, an official told PTI on Sunday.
“Due to unfortunate events a couple of days back which resulted in the death of Indian soldiers, IMG Reliance is pulling out with immediate effects, from offering broadcast production services for PSL. The incident that occured is deeply regrettable,” stated a mail addressed to Sohaib Sheikh and Kamil Khan of Pakistan Cricket Board, as per a report in PTI.
The fourth edition of Pakistan Super League started on Thursday in Dubai.
Meanwhile, PCB has said in a statement that the new live broadcasters of the tournament would be announced on Monday.
“The PCB always had a contingency plan in place, and we are confident we will be in a position to announce the new partner,” Wasim Khan said in a statement.
“The PCB has also noted the recent turn of events and expresses its extreme disappointment as we have always believed and emphasised that sports and politics should be kept separate,” Khan added.