PCB not to take action against Misbah's association with RCB

Lahore, May 7 (UNI) After claiming that the Pakistan vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq's association with the liquor baron Vijay Mallya owned Bangalore Royal Challengers was an unlawful act, the PCB has decided that it will not take any action against the middle-order batsman.

''We don't think any action against Misbah is required for representing (Bangalore) Royal Challengers,'' Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi was quoted as saying by 'The News' today.

Naghmi made it clear that there will be no further inquiry on the issue as Misbah is just playing for the team and not endorsing to any of its products.

''He is not promoting liquor or joining (the company's) advertising campaign. He is just playing cricket for an IPL team,'' Naghmi said.

Naghmi said Misbah called him from India yesterday to clarify the issue.

''I had a chat with Misbah and told him not to worry about it and just concentrate on his batting,'' he added.

Although, alcohol is banned in Pakistan by law, for the PCB, Misbah's association with Mallaya, who owns United Breweries (UB) group that produces famous Indian spirit brand Royal Challenge, is not an issue.

But Naghmi said Misbah cannot be forced to quit playing in the IPL just because the team he is representing is owned by a liquor-producing company.

''What we can do is ask him (Misbah) not to appear in any commercial endorsing liquor or be a part of any other advertising campaign,'' he added.

However, in the past, the PCB has discouraged its players from associating themselves with alcohol brands.

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