Mumbai: The prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI) covered Saturday a portrait of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a unique way of protest against the dastardly terror attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama. Pakistan-based terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for it.
The CCI, which is an affiliated unit of BCCI, is home to the iconic Brabourne Stadium, which has hosted many Test matches and is considered to be a cricketing hub. The entire CCI premises, including its restaurant, adorn portraits of the greatest cricketers across eras and from all nations.
Imran’s portrait is one of them as he was a distinguished former cricket captain, who led Pakistan to 1992 World Cup victory.
CCI president Premal Udani confirmed the development to this agency Saturday, stating a decision in this regard was taken on Friday.
“See, CCI is a sports club and we have photographs of past and present cricketers from all countries. We wanted to show, in our way – displeasure – on whatever is happening right now. It is mark of protest. We have covered it as of now but can’t say right now if we would take it down,” Udani informed.
Another senior CCI official said that the portrait was located on the wall of ‘Porbunder All-rounder’, a restaurant inside the club premises on the ground floor, which also has pictures of other past greats.
In the past, Imran has twice played for Pakistan against India at the Brabourne Stadium. He had led Pakistan in a festival game against India in 1987, which was a pre-cursor to the World Cup. He also played an ODI at the venue, when he lead Pakistan to victory against Australia in a Nehru Cup game in 1989, where he was also declared as the man of the match.
PTI