'History tells us that sports, particularly cricket, have always played a key role in building bridges between people and countries.'
The Pakistan Cricket Board has said it will take up with the Board of Control for Cricket in India the 'regrettable' removal of pictures of its former players at a couple of venues in India, owing to the Pulwama terror attack, during an International Cricket Council meeting this month.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the PCB's Managing Director Wasim Khan said sports has always played a key role in defusing political tensions.
The ICC meeting is scheduled to be held in Dubai from February 28. However, the issue is expected to be raised on the sidelines as it doesn't feature in the agenda of the board meeting.
"...we have always believed and emphasised that sports and politics should be kept separate. History tells us that sports, particularly cricket, have always played a key role in building bridges between people and countries," Khan said in the statement.
"... covering or removing portrait of former Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan and other legendary cricketers from one of the most historic cricket clubs and venues are highly regrettable actions," he added.
The terror attack in Pulwama killed at least 40 CRPF Jawans.
In the aftermath, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai covered a portrait of Pakistan Prime Minister and former captain Imran Khan, while the Punjab Cricket Association removed photographs of Pakistani cricketers from various points inside the Mohali stadium.
The Rajasthan Cricketer Association has also removed the photo of Pakistani cricketers from their picture gallery at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The PCB Managing Director also confirmed that Indian production company IMG Reliance pulled out of producing the Pakistan Super League matches.
"We have been informed by IMG Reliance that they will be unable to partner with us for the remaining PSL 2019 and PCB has reserved all its rights. The PCB always had a contingency plan in place...," Khan said.
IMG Reliance had announced its withdrawal as official production partner for PSL as a mark of protest against the Pulwama attack.
