Following the team’s elimination from the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup after the first round, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) demanded proof of any claims of match-fixing against the players. Their morale was damaged by losing to the co-hosts and tournament newcomers, the USA, before bitter rivals India secured a close victory to reduce their prospects of making it to the Super 8. Pakistan fell behind the USA on the points table despite winning their match against Ireland. This was due to Pakistan’s washout game against Canada, which prevented them from dominating the standings.
However, considering the rise of criticism culture in the country over the past few years, the fans, a few journalists, several former cricketers and countless YouTubers began hammering the team for their dismal show at the showpiece event. Although the board expected such a reaction from the fans, knowing how invested they are in their cricket, allegations of players getting involved in fixing-related activities escalated the whole matter. Following a video that has gone viral on social media of a journalist revealing several top players, including the captain Babar Azam and star players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, underperformed on purpose, the PCB demanded evidence against such baseless allegations.
Per a story in Cricket Pakistan, the ICC’s anti-corruption officials and the security manager, who accompanied the squad, maintained a strict check on everyone. Besides, per the people close to the information, none of the famous players, including Babar, Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan, ever got involved in evil activities.
Upon approaching the board, the authorities said,
“We are well aware of these disparaging remarks. If criticism stays within the rules of the game, it is permissible and will not be met with resistance. However, it is never acceptable to accept unfounded accusations such as match-fixing.
Further, in response to a question about the measures taken by the parties involved to prevent such statements, the official said
