PCB bans the use of social networking websites

Board finalises policy, step taken for player's safety.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned players from using social networking websites while on tour, advising them to keep their activity under check even when they are not with the team.

The board, learning from former Pakistan wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider’s episode, has said that the step has been taken for the players’ safety. Haider, who used Facebook to disclose his plans of abandoning the team after the fourth One-Day International against South Africa in the UAE following alleged threats received from bookmakers. He fled to the UK and announced his retirement shortly afterwards.

Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam said that the measure was now part of the board’s code of conduct for players.

“The measure is for the players’ safety. They’re prone to danger if the wrong person gets access to their information, whereabouts and so on. Therefore, the PCB has finalised the policy and banned the usage of all social networking websites during ongoing tours and series, while also advising them to keep their activity minimum when they are not playing.”

Asked if the policy hurts the players’ freedom, the manager said that Pakistan cricket has gone through a tumultuous time and as such, the step was necessary.

Fake account holders to face charges

The PCB’s legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi added that people who operate fake accounts of the players are liable to face charges and would be fined.

“There are many accounts that are not operated by the players,” said Rizvi. “Fake ones operated by other people are a hazard. These people are liable to face charges of cyber crime and fraud. So my advice to them is to be careful, otherwise they can be prosecuted.”

Afridi laughs off fake accounts

Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi, who has multiple fake accounts by his name on the social networking website Facebook, has clarified that he does not use any websites at all.

The all-rounder, who has an account on Facebook where he is seen asking for advice on the World Cup squad for next year, laughed off the idea.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Test captain Misbahul Haq and former captain Younus Khan, who used a Facebook account during his county stint earlier this year, have both clarified that they are not using these websites currently.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2010.