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Pakistan journalist Sanaullah Khan banned by PCB, fled to Dubai; brother's kidnapping suspected as foul play
Sanaullah Khan, a popular Pakistani sports journalist, was reportedly banned by the PCB after criticizing Mohsin Naqvi. He left Pakistan for Dubai, where he faced alleged pressure from the board while continuing his coverage from abroad. He later alleged foul play in his brother's kidnapping and made a public plea.
Why It Matters
The case highlights tensions between media critics and national sports bodies, raising concerns about media freedom and safety for journalists connected to sports governance in Pakistan.
Timeline
4 Events
Sanaullah suspects foul play in his brother's kidnapping; makes public plea
April 24, 2026
Sanaullah Khan said he suspects foul play in his brother's kidnapping and has issued an impassioned plea following the incident.
Sanaullah Khan leaves Pakistan for Dubai after the ban
April 24, 2026
Facing the ban, Sanaullah decided to leave the country for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Ban on Sanaullah Khan by PCB Director of Media
April 24, 2026
Sanaullah Khan, while in Pakistan, had criticised PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Soon after, he was banned by the PCB Director of Media, restricting him from covering matches from ground zero and from attending press conferences, leading to many major cricket figures to stop working with him.
Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai — PCB seeks to deny Sanaullah coverage; local authorities’ stance
2025
During the Asia Cup held in Dubai in 2025, which India won, the PCB reportedly contacted Dubai cricket authorities to deny Sanaullah permission to cover matches. Local authorities reportedly said they were okay with his coverage, but Pakistan as a country was not.