PCB threatens to take action against people accusing the team members of match-fixing during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Some YouTubers and journalists had accused the team’s leading players of match-fixing following the team’s poor performance.
Pakistan’s team could not progress to the Super 8 stage of the World Cup after losing their matches to the USA and India. A whirlwind of criticism sparked on social media regarding the team’s performance.
PCB has brushed off the allegations and said that none of the players are involved in any illegal activities. ICC’s anti-corruption and security manager accompanying the team closely watched the players.
When contacted, PCB sources stated, “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.”
Read more: Pakistan cricket team avoid fans after Haris Rauf’s altercation
When asked if the board would conduct an investigation, the sources said, “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.”
According to The News, T20 captain Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and a few other players, who extended their stay in the US despite the team’s elimination in the league stage, have limited their public interactions and are only meeting people they know well.
This shift in the team’s approach towards fans follows a widely circulated video on social media showing Rauf, 30, confronting a fan who made negative remarks about him. In the video, Rauf, walking with his wife Muzna, becomes aggressive towards a fan accompanied by a group of youngsters. The footage shows Rauf running towards the fan despite efforts from his wife and others to hold him back.