Sports

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan ‘rejected’ lucrative offers from betting companies

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

Babar Azam was offered a Rs250 million yearly contract.
Mohammad Rizwan rejected Rs100 million deal offer.
Babar, Rizwan’s image rights given against their will, says source.

ISLAMABAD: The duo of Pakistani stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan rejected sponsorship offers worth millions of rupees from betting companies, The News reported Monday.

According to documented emails available with the publication, the players were approached by these illegal companies which have collaborated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The development comes amid “conflict of interest” allegations against former chief selector Inzimam-ul-Haq which is being probed by a fact-finding committee. However, he has denied all these allegations and resigned from the post.

The report stated that the cricket board, in clear violation of the rules, accepted sponsorship from a surrogate betting sponsor like Dafa News which allegedly not only opened the floodgate for more than 150 illegal surrogate betting sites and apps to operate in Pakistan on all digital platforms but also allegedly led to some of the PSL franchises forcing players on individual levels to accept shirt logos and give image rights to the illegal betting companies.

‘As Muslims, we do not support any betting’

A source in one of the betting companies also disclosed that Babar had refused a Rs250 million yearly contract while Mohammad Rizwan refused a Rs100 million yearly contract by just one surrogate betting company solely because such sponsorships and contracts were against the law.

It is pertinent to mention here that Rizwan, who is the captain of Multan Sultans, refused to put the logo of WOLF777 on his kit during the last Pakistan Super League tournament.

An email sent to Babar by the 1XBET betting company — which is available to The News — stated that the company was impressed by the player’s social media platform and wanted to work with him.

However, the reply by Saya Corporation, which is responsible for Babar’s individual sponsorships, investments and advertisement, said, “Thank you. As Muslims, we do not support any betting or surrogate betting brands. Thank you for reaching out.”

This email is also present with The News.

The same kind of offer was sent to Rizwan where the response was the same, a documented email shared by the source revealed.

‘Image rights given against players’ will’

The source further revealed that the PCB had given the image rights of Babar and Rizwan to these betting companies against their will.

This source also provided The News with digital media ads of 1XBET using their images against their will and allegedly under the blanket image rights approval granted to the surrogate betting companies because of their sponsorship to the PCB, PSL and some of the franchises.

“Babar, Rizwan along with others have clearly refused contracts from such companies yet the PCB along with PSL franchises has given their image rights to us,” said the source.

According to the unnamed official, some of the PSL franchises also forced players to wear the logo of these surrogate betting companies at all costs which is a clear violation of the freedom of speech and freedom of rights of the players.

The PCB’s code of conduct or rules clearly states, “The Services/ Campaign shall not support any activity (commercial or otherwise) associated with betting, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons, obscene of sexually explicit language; which advocates the violation of Pakistani law or PCB’s policies”.

‘Dafa News is a news organisation’

Meanwhile, a PCB spokesperson has clarified that since the “Zero Tolerance Against Surrogate Betting Companies” notification by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, no such sponsor had been engaged.

“Dafa News is a news organisation. Its paperwork was scrutinised by our legal and commercial departments and no common ownership stake was identified with a betting concern,” the official maintained.

It is pertinent to mention here that the information ministry has categorically stated Dafa News as a surrogate betting company operating in Pakistan through a notification issued on September 25.

“The PCB strictly prohibits all forms of betting or associated activities. Certain news sites may have been sponsors but it has always been ensured that there is no ownership overall of any sort in terms of their certificate of incorporation and shareholders with any alleged betting concerns,” the spokesperson maintained.

Explaining further, the spokesperson said that there were allegations against these companies which have not been ratified by a court of law.

“However, needless to say, the PCB will abide by all relevant laws and ethical provisions in terms of seeking sponsors for all upcoming events,” he added.

Crackdown launched

The surrogate betting companies infiltrated Pakistan through cricket when ads started to appear in Pakistan cricket around 2021.

As of the PSL 2023, four out of the total six PSL franchises boarded betting surrogates as their key sponsors and the PCB failed to regulate them.

The government has initiated a crackdown on more than 150 surrogate betting companies operating in Pakistan causing billions of dollars of loss to the national economy, The News recently reported.

Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi revealed to The News that all institutions were united along with the military establishment in eliminating the betting companies.

However, after more than a month since the issuance of the notification by the government, all betting applications are still running and no action has been taken by the authorities till now.

Latest News

“Pakistan ought to follow Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy strategy from the 1996 World Cup.”

Published

19 hours ago

Farwa

Former cricket player Basit Ali talked about India’s bid to compete in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and recommended that the PCB use a similar approach to Sri Lanka’s World Cup 1996 strategy.

Although it is unclear if India would compete in the tournament, the ninth Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan during the February–March timeframe in 2025.

The Indian media had reported that Team India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Furthermore, sources verified on Sunday that the PCB was notified by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian government has prohibited its cricket team from traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Basit Ali was among the numerous Pakistani players who were upset to hear of India’s rejection. The former batsman said in a video posted on his own YouTube account that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) take a cue from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

For those who are not familiar, Sri Lanka won the World Cup 1996, which was co-hosted by Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.

But because Australia and the West Indies declined to visit Sri Lanka due to security concerns, the competition was marred with controversy like to that of the Champions Trophy 2025.

While Sri Lanka promised complete security for the squad, Australia and the West Indies stuck to their guns.

Due to a firm stand on both sides, Sri Lanka was given games against Australia and the West Indies on forfeit by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sri Lanka advanced to the quarterfinals without having to play a match after earning four crucial points.

In a similar vein, Basit Ali asked the PCB to avoid playing India at a neutral location. Additionally, he recommended that Pakistan quit the event if the ICC were to fully change it.

The former batter said, “If India declines to play in Pakistan under a hybrid model, like the 1996 World Cup scenario, PCB should demand points.” “Pakistan ought to receive two points if India chooses not to participate.”

In the event of a hybrid approach, Pakistan, as the host, ought to conduct all of its matches domestically. Additionally, Pakistan ought to decline to take part if the host location changes.

Latest News

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulates the Pakistan team for their triumph over Australia.

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, conveyed his sincere congratulations to the national men’s cricket team for their historic ODI series triumph against Australia.

Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed against Australia in the third ODI in Perth, securing victory by eight wickets and clinching their first series in Australia since 2002.

The visitors lost the initial match of the three-match series by two wickets; however, they executed a remarkable comeback to secure the series 2-1.

Subsequent to the victory, Shehbaz Sharif utilized his official X (previously Twitter) account to commend the national cricket team for their commanding performance.

“Significant Day for Pakistani Cricket.” Congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team on their momentous ODI series triumph over Australia. The Prime Minister declared, “After 22 years, Pakistan has convincingly defeated Australia on their home turf.”

He commended the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

This triumph resulted from the solidarity and collaboration of their exceptional players, alongside the efforts of the coaching staff and the PCB under the competent leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He expressed, “May this mark the commencement of a remarkable and illustrious era for Pakistani Cricket.”

Latest News

Derailment in Adelaide caused by Rauf and Shaheen

Published

5 days ago

Farwa

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to field first in the pivotal second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. The visitors confront a critical must-win scenario after being behind 0-1 in the three-match series.

Pakistan: (2 overs, 50 balls, Target: 164) 10 divided by 0

Australia: (35 overs, 50 overs) 163 runs

Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Adam Zampa, culminating in a significant triumph for Pakistan by reducing Australia to their lowest-ever ODI total against them. Afridi’s last delivery dismissed Zampa for 18 runs, concluding Australia’s innings at 161 in 34.6 overs.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers excelled, with Haris Rauf taking four wickets, while Naseem Shah and Afridi each secured two. Zampa, after exhibiting resilience with two boundaries and a six, succumbed to Afridi’s precise bowling. Naseem’s intense bowling performance featured a series of near misses, including a missed catch by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, which almost established a world record for the most dismissals by a keeper in an ODI.

Pakistan’s unyielding pace attack constrained Australia, resulting in a record low score and a momentous victory for Pakistan in Adelaide.

The pace attack of Pakistan, spearheaded by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, disassembled Australia’s batting order in a commanding performance at Adelaide. Rauf excelled, taking four wickets for only 27 runs in six overs, while Naseem offered vital assistance by removing Mitchell Starc for his inaugural wicket of the match.

By the 29th over, Australia had deteriorated to 131/8, as Pakistani bowlers adeptly capitalized on the conditions with precision and energy. As wickets fell consistently, highlighted by five catches from Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained intense pressure, causing Australia to struggle to endure till the conclusion of the innings.

The Pakistan squad retains their prior lineup, demonstrating faith in the team after their initial defeat. Australia enhances their bowling lineup by substituting seasoned bowler Josh Hazlewood for Sean Abbott.

The Australian batting lineup will depend on the powerful opening duo of Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, succeeded by the robust middle order including Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell. Pat Cummins directs the home team’s bowling contingent, aided by Mitchell Starc and spin expert Adam Zampa.