Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, has strongly refuted Indian media reports that alleged he indulged in a shopping spree while staying in India for the 2023 World Cup. An agency representing the star batter conveyed his vehement denial of the claims, labeling them as entirely false.
Indian media outlets had reported that Babar Azam purchased jewelry and clothing items during his visit, including a designer sherwani worth 700,000 Indian rupees.
In response to these allegations, the agency representing Babar Azam released a statement categorically rejecting the reports. They expressed their surprise at the news and urged media outlets to exercise diligent fact-checking before disseminating any information.
The statement read, “We vehemently reject the utterly false reports circulating on certain media platforms suggesting that Kaptaan Babar Azam engaged in clothing and jewelry shopping in India amidst the ongoing World Cup. We categorically refute these baseless claims and implore such media outlets to exercise diligent fact-checking before participating in any dissemination of misinformation, disinformation, or propaganda. Thank you.”
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Read more: Babar Azam buys 7 lakh worth sherwani, jewellery from India
It’s important to note that the Pakistan cricket team has been subject to stringent security measures during their stay in India, limiting their movements outside their hotel. The team’s director, Mickey Arthur, recently described the security as “stifling,” with players feeling confined, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, several Pakistan players have experienced health issues, including fever and flu, during various stages of the tournament. Fast bowler Hasan Ali attributed these ailments to what he referred to as “room sickness.”
The 2023 World Cup marks Pakistan’s return to playing in India for the first time since 2016, and it comes with its share of challenges and limitations, both on and off the field.
Pakistan will play its last group match against England on November 11th, 2023 in Bengaluru.