IPL 6: Parvez Rasool refuses to sport liquor brand logo on his Pune Warriors' jersey

Young Jammu and Kashmir cricketer, Parvez Rasool, has decided not to endorse a liquor brand, initially unaware that the logo belonged to an alcohol company, a team sponsor. Once aware, Rasool made it clear that he just could not endorse it. He took the step because of religious sentiments.

According to the Indian Express, the Pune Warriors’ player has removed the logo of a liquor brand – an IPL sponsor – from his team jersey. The bowler who made his debut for Pune earlier this week has reportedly told the management of his decision to not wear the logo as ‘it hurts his religious sentiments’.

The 24-year-old said he had no idea that the logo belonged to an alcohol brand. But as soon as he did, he took urgent action.

Rasool said.”I used tape to hide the logo and people were initially wondering why I was doing this. I told them that it is because my religion prohibits alcohol consumption. I can’t endorse a liquor brand as for me, my belief is paramount. My family is happy with the decision.”

Interestingly, this is not the first occasion when a cricketer has refused to sponsor an alcohol brand. South African stalwart, Hashim Amla, had earlier refused to play till the team’s official sponsor’s logo, which happened to be a popular beer brand, was removed from his jersey.