LAHORE: Pakistan lost against the USA and India in the T20 World Cup 2024, which led the team to the first round, making fans disappointed because they suffered a lopsided loss to the inexperienced host and suffered a crushing defeat against their enemy.
Wins against Canada and Ireland were unconvincing and the national cricketers were widely criticized after this embarrassing performance.
Ex-players were openly critical, and fans’ anger on social media was uncontrollable. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expected such a reaction, but allegations of match-fixing only made the players more nervous.
Sources said that several YouTubers and journalists have discussed the allegations in the Indian media as well. However, according to team sources, there are no reports of players in the United States being involved in negative activities.
The ICC’s anti-corruption officers and security managers who accompanied the team monitored everything. Moreover, it is known that the current team members, especially Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan, have never been part of any negative activities.
When contacted, a PCB source said, “We are fully aware of these negative comments. They can be criticized within the framework of the game and there is no objection to it. .”
When asked if the board will investigate, the source said, “PCB has doubts, why should we investigate? Allegators must provide evidence. We have ordered our legal department to warn such people and if they do not demand evidence, we will demand compensation. for defamation.
On the other hand, the unfortunate incident involving Haris Rauf caused concern about the safety of the players. They fear such behavior when they go out with their families. Due to this fear, some cricketers like Babar Azam are reluctant to return to the country. However, the PCB has assured the team of full security and informed the players to report any problems immediately. Team sources say some experts on social media, TV channels and YouTubers have created a hostile environment against players that they are now afraid to leave.
PCB demands evidence or threatens legal action
