Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has strongly denied Indian media reports that suggested he went on a shopping spree during his visit to India for the World Cup 2023, as stated by a representative agency.
According to Indian media, the renowned batsman was reported to have purchased jewelry and clothing, including a designer sherwani worth 700,000 Indian rupees.
In response, the agency representing Babar Azam issued a statement vehemently rejecting these entirely false shopping reports circulating on specific media platforms. They emphasized that these claims took the Pakistan captain by surprise.
The statement also called for responsible journalism and urged media outlets to conduct thorough fact-checking before disseminating any information to avoid spreading misinformation, disinformation, or propaganda.
It’s worth noting that during their stay in India, Pakistani players are typically confined to their hotel rooms and require heavy security when they do leave their accommodation. Pakistan’s team director, Mickey Arthur, has described the stringent security measures at the World Cup in India as stifling, making players feel as if they were back in the COVID-19 pandemic era. Several Pakistani players have experienced illness during the tournament, which fast bowler Hasan Ali attributed to the confinement.
PCB Media Head Addresses Inzamam-Ul-Haq’s Resignation
Meanwhile, Aalia Rasheed, the PCB’s Head of Media and Communications, expressed that Inzamam-ul-Haq, the Chief Selector, should have informed the cricket board of any potential conflict of interest.
Inzamam resigned from his position during the 2023 World Cup amid allegations that he had a stake in a company owned by a players’ agent, Talha Rehmani, who represents several Pakistani cricketers. This raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and their impact on player selection. PCB initiated a fact-finding committee to investigate these allegations.
Aalia Rasheed stated that Inzamam’s resignation was unnecessary, as PCB was addressing the issue through the committee. The investigation’s outcome will determine Inzamam’s future with PCB. Mohammad Rizwan, who is also connected to the same company, is not part of the investigation. Rasheed explained that it’s common for players to invest their earnings for financial stability after retirement.
For the upcoming Australia series, an interim chief selector will be chosen from the existing selection committee members until the fact-finding committee’s recommendations are made. Aalia praised PCB’s Chairman Zaka Ashraf’s work and highlighted that he focuses on the job rather than public relations.
She also discussed visa issues faced by Pakistani fans and journalists at the ICC World Cup 2023 in India and expressed the PCB’s intention to address the matter with the ICC.
