Babar fights back after fixing accusations following WC exit

Babar fights back after fixing accusations following WC exit

Asher Butt 

Pakistan cricket is embroiled in controversy following their disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Accusations of match fixing started to surface with reports of players discontent and groupings that followed defamation notices and legal threats.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has taken legal action against Mubasher Lucman, a well-known TV anchor, for defamation. Lucman accused Azam and his teammates of match-fixing on social media. Azam demanded a public apology and threatened further legal action if not received.

This comes after a string of criticism and conspiracy theories following Pakistan's World Cup performance.

Similarly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is prepared to take legal action against individuals making "baseless" match-fixing allegations and also against people who ried to get physical with the national players.

The Board maintains a clean record for its players, especially senior members like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

PCB sources claim they'll pursue legal action against YouTubers and journalists making such accusations without evidence. A new defamation law in Pakistan promises quicker resolutions within six months.

Following an unpleasant incident involving Haris Rauf, players fear for their safety outside team settings. This has led some players, including Azam, to hesitate about returning to Pakistan immediately.

The PCB has assured the team of full protection and urged them to report any security issues. The hateful environment created by social media and certain media personalities is cited as a reason for player fear.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has threatened legal action for false accusations.

Pakistan's assistant coach threatened legal action against those spreading "harmful narratives" about him and his family.

These accusations arose after Pakistan's World Cup exit and targeted the professionalism and work ethic of the team and its staff. Rumors on social media alleged that Mahmood misused his position by taking family members on a PCB-funded trip to the USA.

Mahmood denies these claims entirely and considers them "dangerous" and "criminal." He plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading these falsehoods.

However, Pakistan cricket is facing a multi-pronged crisis that has never been seen. The team's performance has sparked public anger, leading to accusations and threats. The PCB and team management are taking a strong stance against defamation and false allegations.  It remains to be seen how these legal actions unfold and how they will impact the future of Pakistan cricket.