The Pakistan cricket team has found itself embroiled in controversy just before the start of their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the USA and Caribbean. Reports have surfaced that the team, led by Babar Azam, hosted a private dinner for fans in the USA, charging $25 per attendee for a ‘meet and greet’ with the players.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif brought the issue to light via social media, revealing that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the players were behind the event. Latif shared a video on the microblogging site X, exposing that fans had to pay a fee to meet the players, a revelation that sparked widespread outrage among fans, media, and former cricketers.
Pakistan Cricket Team Faces Backlash
Latif expressed his shock and disappointment over the event during a Pakistan sports show. He criticized the timing and nature of the event, emphasizing that such actions were inappropriate, especially on the eve of a major tournament like the T20 World Cup.
Dr. Nauman Niaz, a well-known Pakistani TV personality, also lamented the state of affairs within the national team, highlighting the poor optics of such an event. Kamran Muzaffar, the show’s presenter, criticized the team for focusing on monetizing fan interactions rather than preparing for their matches. He suggested that if the team management was intent on monetizing these interactions, the price should have been higher to reflect the team’s stature.
Muzaffar and Dr. Niaz questioned the team’s focus and intent, noting that such controversial activities could distract players from their primary goal of performing well in the tournament.
Rashid Latif’s Critique
In his video, Latif expressed anger at the commercial nature of the private dinner. He acknowledged that charity dinners are acceptable and often commendable, but charging fans for a private event was disgraceful. Latif criticized the growing trend where Pakistani players prioritize monetary compensation for attending events.
Latif emphasized that during a major tournament, players should avoid activities that might undermine their focus or the integrity of the national team. He reflected on his playing days, noting that events were official and free from commercial exploitation.
“People tell me that whenever someone calls the Pakistan players, they just ask, ‘how much money will you give?’ This has become common. You attend 2–3 dinners, but without the commercial angle. You can go for charity dinners and fundraisers, but this is neither fundraising nor a charity dinner. This is a private function with the name of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket associated with it. Don’t make this mistake,” Latif said.
