London: Former England cricket team player Monty Panesar has decided not to play in the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) being hosted by Pakistan. The decision comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) objected to the KPL. BCCI has already warned all cricket boards in the world that players playing in KPL in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will be stopped in India. Monty Panesar said in his statement, "Due to India-Pakistan tensions on the Kashmir issue, I have decided not to play in KPL. I don't want to get in the midst of all this. It will make me uncomfortable."
At the same time, Monty Panesar warned other players that they should think about the serious consequences they may face before joining the KPL. The former England left-arm spinner said he has just started his career in the sports media and cannot take such risks yet. He said he wanted to play in KPL and return to the field, but has been told that the BCCI has warned the players of dire consequences if they do so. He said he wants to work in India as well. Monty Panesar further said that he does not want to come between cricket and politics, so he feels that he is not interested in playing KPL.
Monty Panesar wanted to make a comeback on the cricket field by playing slowly. He said, 'Everyone wants to make a comeback. But, I have to do coaching and commentary in India, so, playing in KPL, India will not give me work. He said he has been given the same instruction from the England Cricket Board (ECB).' Pakistan announced KPL in December 2020. Through this, it wants to raise the Kashmir issue globally in a different way. The BCCI's attitude towards the league, which is being held in Pakistan's illegally occupied Kashmir, is very strict. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
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