Pakistan Cricket Board considers legal action against ‘unsubstantiated claims’ amid criticism over players’ families at T20 World Cup – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket team continued to face flak for their disastrous T20 World Cup campaign in the USA. Not only for their performances, the players are facing harsh criticism for bringing their families along during the tournament. The decision to travel with family members has led to a backlash from both fans and officials.

As per a PTI report, Pakistan’s cricket board is also considering using a new defamation law to counter what it deems “unsubstantiated claims and reports” against its players and the team management.

‘Wives, children, parents and even siblings’
According to local media reports, nearly 34 players, support staff, and officials were part of the national squad in the USA. The team hotel also accommodated around 26 to 28 family members of the players, which included wives, children, parents, and even siblings. Pakistan was knocked out in the group league stage matches after losing to India and debutants USA in New York.



Players like Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Amir had family members traveling with them. Notably, Babar Azam, who is unmarried, had his father, mother, and brothers staying in the team hotel.

“The extra expenses incurred on having families is obviously paid by players but having family members around does hit the focus of the players,” another report stated.

’60 rooms booked’
Media reports disclosed that about 60 rooms were booked where the team stayed to accommodate the family members. “The environment was a family one with take-away dinners and outings being the norm for some players,” one report mentioned.

Amir’s personal trainer
In a unique move, Muhammad Amir took his personal trainer to the World Cup at his own expense despite the team already having a foreign trainer, strength conditioning coach, physiotherapist, and doctor. During training sessions, Amir trained away from the rest, having obtained permission from the board for this arrangement.

PCB contemplating legal action
The Pakistan Cricket Board is contemplating legal action under a new defamation law passed by the Punjab government. This law will be used to pursue digital or mainstream media that insinuate corruption or make personal attacks on Pakistani players without proof.

What is this new defamation law?
The Punjab assembly recently passed a bill that targets digital media and defamation. Under this law, any digital journalist or media personality making unsubstantiated allegations or personal attacks on a public figure, potentially inciting public backlash, can face hefty fines and jail time if found guilty. The law also stipulates that decisions must be reached within six months, preventing cases from dragging on.

This decision follows accusations against skipper Babar Azam, who was alleged by a YouTuber to have accepted an expensive car as a gift. The PCB’s legal department has already started working on potential notices under the new defamation law to address such claims.