The SC Supreme Court of Pakistan rejected a petition challenging the media rights agreement of PCB Pakistan Cricket Board for live streaming of the PSL Pakistan Super League. Rejection was based on the facts that the petitioner had not availed forums of the high courts or other lower courts and petition was filed directly at the SC.
The challenged agreement was signed by PCB and a company on 11th February 2019. As per media reports, the petitioner alleged that the agreement conditionally allowed betting and gambling during the PSL matches as the company had allegedly signed deal with foreign betting company. Further, allegedly clause 4.4 (b) of agreement included conditional permission for sponsorship, promotion and advertising of betting, gambling and prediction games in countries where it was legally allowed.
Media reported that the petition requested SC to declare the agreement as illegal by mainly challenging clause 4.4 (b) of agreement. It was filed by a former member of the PCB who also serves as journalist. Petitioner was represented by his counsel Muhammad Asad Rajput.
The decision was initially taken by the Registrar SC and thereafter Justice Mushir Alam upheld it. During chamber hearing Mushir suggested the petitioner to approach IHC Islamabad High Court to redress grievance.
After the rejection decision, the petitioner intends to file review petition at SC and a proper petition at IHC.
PSL is set to re-commence from November after corona virus related disruption.
