The Pakistan Cricket Board is in a fix after allowing Misbah-ul-Haq to play for liquor baron Vijay Mallya-owned Royal Challengers Bangalore as it is in conflict with its policy of discouraging players from associating themselves with alcohol brands.

PCB CEO Shafqat Naghmi said the board does not encourage its players to promote or endorse alcohol and tobacco products. “Players usually take prior clearance for endorsing or starring in any brand commercials. I am not sure whether Misbah has taken permission for the Royal Challengers and I am also not sure whether he is required to wear or market any brand of the UB group,” Naghmi said.

“But yes, we do discourage our players from even sporting logos promoting alcohol or tobacco products,” he admitted. Naghmi said the board would look into the matter.

Alcohol consumption is banned in Pakistan. Even tobacco advertising on television and in sports was banned by the government a few years ago. Misbah is the only Pakistani playing in the Bangalore team.