TEXAS: Pakistan’s cricket team is in Dallas, Texas, for their T20 World Cup opener against the USA today. However, controversy has stirred ahead of their first match, as criticism floods social media aimed at both the team and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
A viral photo of an invitation to a ‘Meet and Greet’ event, with Pakistan cricket team players is circulating on social media. The invitation specifies a fee of $25 per person for attendance. While the PCB explains that the event was a charity function, the invitation itself does not mention ‘Charity.’
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif criticized the PCB for hosting private dinners for fans at $25. Latif took to X to voice his frustration, questioning the decision to hold a ‘meet and greet’ event amidst the World Cup preparations. “Focus on cricket; money will come naturally.”
In a shared video discussion with TV host Nauman Niaz and sports journalist Kamran Muzaffar, Latif said that the private dinner with fans was not a free, or charity event.
Let’s Save The Star & Be Stars
Unofficial Private Dinner During WC24#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BXEgPyA2p2— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) June 4, 2024
Latif expressed concerns regarding associating players with financial transactions during such events, emphasizing the need for the PCB to prioritize cricket matters over commercial activities during the World Cup.
Besides former cricketers, Pakistani cricket fans also voiced their criticism on social media. Social media user Ammar remarked, “This is a common practice during most tours – food, photos, and shopping for Instagram.”
Another user, Hasan Khan, questioned whether the team was on a World Cup mission or a business trip.
100 ڈالر کا ٹکٹ لو کوہلی سے ملاقات کرو
آپ نے ایسا کوئی اشتہار دیکھا،بھارت کیا کسی اور ٹیم نے بھی کرکٹرز کونجی تقریبات میں شرکت کی اجازت نہیں دی مگرپاکستانی ٹیم مینجمنٹ نے پلیئرز کو کھلی چھوٹ دی ہوئی ہے،پی سی بی حکام کو یہ سلسلہ روکنا چاہیے،کرکٹرز کو کہیں صرف کھیل پر توجہ دیں— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) June 4, 2024
Local media reports indicate that the PCB claims the event was indeed a charity function, and the Pakistan team’s participation was permitted.
