Former English spinner, Monty Panesar took his name out from participating in the controversial Kashmir Premier League (KPL). The new-founded league has been marred with a lot of political tension. Panesar, who is planning to venture into sports media in the country, opted not to take part in the participation. He claimed that his future would be hampered if he decides to take part in the league organized by the PCB.
Moreover, Monty Panesar decides to become a commentator in India, with the number of opportunities available. Herschelle Gibbs had revealed that the BCCI had blackmailed him for not participating in the league. As a result, the former South African opener also decided to take part in the competition.
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In addition, after withdrawing his name from the KPL, Monty Panesar also warned other cricketers who are participating. Panesar asserted that he has no intention of mixing cricket and politics, and that is the reason behind him taking his name out. However, a Twitter user believed otherwise and insinuated that Panesar was blackmailed by the BCCI.
A Twitter user retweeted the video of Monty Panesar announcing his decision and captioned it as ‘@BCCI BLACKMAILED @MontyPanesar successfully’.
@BCCI BLACKMAILED @MontyPanesar successfully. https://t.co/fVmkH1o60D
— Daniyal Tweets 🇵🇰❤️🇵🇸 (@TweetsDaniyal) August 2, 2021
Subsequently, Monty Panesar decided to come up with a reply and he claimed that he is not being blackmailed by anyone. He added that it’s completely his decision and asked the user to pipe down.
I havent been blackmailed by anyone. I been given the advise I understand the consequences and it's my decision. So pipe down. https://t.co/spFxTdwpcL
— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) August 2, 2021
The Kashmir Premier League involves five teams representing different cities of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). While the sixth team will comprise of overseas Kashmir. In addition, The league was given the green light back in December 2020. It will be played between August 6 and August 16 at the Muzaffarabad Stadium in PoK.
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As a result, Herschelle Gibbs had earlier lambasted the BCCI warned him for participating in the league. The board had apparently warned Gibbs of barring his entry into the country for cricket-related work in the future.
Here are some of the reactions from the fans:
Refusing to play because a cricket board threatens to harm your financial opportunities in their country..
Isn't that blackmail?
— Akeel (@TheBiggestDesi) August 3, 2021
Good decision @MontyPanesar
— Dr NJ (@jyothi_nirmal) August 2, 2021
Guys take it easy, Monty is a really nice guy
He suffered a lot health issues hence don't make it more difficult for him than it already is
Punjabi are always with Pak. Pak always with Punjabi brothers. My previous Twitter was banned because I supportd Punjab Farmers protest
— Adam (@Pedagogical_313) August 2, 2021