The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to recent allegations of spot-fixing and match-fixing against the Pakistan cricket team, which surfaced online following their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024.
The PCB has challenged those making such claims to provide proof and warned that legal action will be taken against anyone making baseless allegations. The board’s statement, though not official, was reported by Cricket Pakistan, quoting a source within the governing body.
The source confirmed that the PCB is aware of the “negative comments” but described the accusations as “baseless.” The PCB emphasised that while criticism within the game’s bounds is acceptable, unfounded allegations of match-fixing are intolerable.
“We are fully aware of these negative comments. Criticism within the bounds of the game is acceptable and there is no objection to it. However, baseless allegations like match-fixing cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” said the PCB source.
The PCB has no plans to conduct an internal investigation, asserting that those who made the allegations should provide proof. “PCB has no doubts, so why should we conduct an inquiry? Those who made the allegations should provide proof. We have instructed our legal department to issue notices to such individuals and demand evidence. If not provided, we will seek compensation for defamation. A new law in Punjab ensures that a decision will come within six months,” the source added.
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Following Pakistan’s group stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, the team, led by Babar Azam, has faced intense criticism from former cricketers and administrators.
Criticisms have ranged from poor fitness to a lack of intent. Pakistan’s campaign was marked by early losses to T20 World Cup debutants USA and former champions India, from which they could not recover despite winning their last two matches.
Adding to the controversy, senior journalist Mubashir Lucman alleged that Babar Azam received an expensive car, an Audi e-Tron GT, as a gift from his elder brother late last year. Lucman questioned the legitimacy of this gift, given the high cost of the car in both Indian and Pakistani currency. In a viral video, Lucman said, “Babar Azam has got a new e-Tron. He has said his brother gifted it. I wondered what does his brother do that he is gifting a Rs 7-8 crore car. I found out that he does nothing. Then somebody told me that if you lose to small teams, even then you will not get plots, cars, then who will get? I told the person that these are serious allegations. He told me everyone knows who is doing what.”
The video has drawn mixed responses, with some users defending the Pakistan team and others suggesting that there are attempts to defame the players. The PCB remains firm on its stance, demanding evidence for the allegations and promising legal action to protect the team’s reputation.
