The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) terms the removal of pictures of its former players at a couple of venues in India “regrettable” for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), during an ICC meeting this month. In a statement issued late Sunday night, the PCB’s Managing Director Wasim Khan said that cricket has always played a key role in defusing the cross-border 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.

In his statement, Khan said, “We have always believed and emphasized 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. Covering or removing the 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.”

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The terror attack in Pulwama killed more than 40 CRPF soldiers. 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 (PCA) removed photographs of Pakistani cricketers from various points inside the Mohali stadium.

The PCB Managing Director also confirmed that Indian production company IMG Reliance pulled out of producing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches. He said, “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.”

IMG Reliance had announced its withdrawal as an official production partner for PSL as a mark of protest against the Pulwama attack.