Pakistan’s media manager, Umar Kalson under PCB’s scanner over his viral video of visiting Casino in Colombo during Asia Cup 2023

Pakistan are currently busy playing against India in their ‘Super 4’ clash of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo. On 10 September, the match began but after 24.1 overs, it was called off due to rain. On 11 September, the game resumed after a delayed start. But, off the field, Pakistan’s media manager, Umar Kalson hit the headlines.

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A video went viral on social media recently where he and Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) GM, Adnan Ali were seen enjoying their time in a casino in Colombo. Being Pakistan’s media officials, it was quite a surprising act and hence, fans were also left surprised. Now, reports have come out that PCB are most likely to take strict disciplinary actions against them as they are now under the scanner of the board.

Here is the viral video:

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PCB media officials Umer Farooq Kalson and Adnan Ali having a good time in a casino in Colombo. Cricket fans will recall that Chief Selector/Manager Moin Khan was recalled during World Cup 2015 and sacked by PCB Chairman Sheharyar Khan when he was seen in a casino in Christchurch… pic.twitter.com/eRoF534xD1

— Shakil Shaikh (@shakilsh58) September 9, 2023

“They could face strict disciplinary action on return” - PCB official

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However, it is not the first time that such incidents have left PCB in mud during a mega event. During the 2015 ODI World Cup, then Chief Selector or Manager, Moin Khan was seen in a casino in Christchurch in New Zealand. So, then PCB Chairman Sheharyar Khan recalled him and sacked him. It happened before the West Indies match. So, it will be interesting to see how and what actions PCB will take in the upcoming days. 

As per a close source to the PCB, at least 15-20 PCB officials had travelled to and from between Colombo and Lahore. Regarding this incident, two officials in the Casino later clarified that they had only gone there to have dinner. The PCB official said: “They could face strict disciplinary action on return”. Former Pakistan cricketer, Mohsin Khan also expressed his surprise over this behaviour from them. Meanwhile, on 11 September, India managed to complete their 50 overs of batting and posted 356 runs for two wickets in 50 overs. Both Virat Kohli and KL Rahul remained not out after scoring centuries as tey put up a 233*-run partnership for the third wicket.

Enthusiasm for online games or casino games is common among sports personalities across the world. Not just in cricket, many in the football fraternity have been seen enjoying casino games as they provide the same kind of adrenaline rush. Several prominent figures in world football like Brazilian forward Neymar Jr and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo have been seen playing various casino games including blackjack and roulette. 'Jogos de casino online Brasil' is one of the popular hubs of game enthusiasts.