Controversy continues to shadow Pakistan cricketers as former captain Rashid Latif condemns a recent episode involving the national team. In a video shared on social media, Latif expresses dismay over a private dinner hosted by the Pakistan cricket team, where fans were offered the opportunity to meet players for a fee of 25 dollars.
The video, which surfaced shortly after the Babar Azam body-shaming incident, captures Latif’s candid remarks during a talk show hosted by Kamran Muzaffer. Joined by Nauman Niaz, a prominent cricket personality, Latif criticizes the decision to monetize interactions with national players.
“There are official dinners, but this is a private dinner. Who can do this? It’s terrible. That means you met our players for 25 dollars. God forbid, had there been a mess, people would have said boys are earning money,” Latif expresses in the video.
Let’s Save The Star & Be Stars
Unofficial Private Dinner During WC24#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BXEgPyA2p2— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) June 4, 2024
The revelation of such an event has sparked widespread outrage among fans and pundits alike. Latif and Niaz emphasize the inappropriate nature of Pakistan cricketers engaging in paid ‘meet and greet’ activities while on national duty.
The host of the show also chimed in, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding the event. He asserts that representing the national team comes with responsibilities that extend beyond the cricket field, and such commercial engagements undermine the integrity of the players and the sport.
The incident adds to the long list of controversies that have plagued Pakistan cricket, raising questions about the professionalism and conduct of its players. As discussions ensue, stakeholders and fans await a response from cricket authorities regarding the appropriateness of such practices within the national team setup.
Nauman Niaz criticized the event as a ‘sad state of affairs’, questioning the team’s intent and focus.
Latif emphasized a concerning trend of commercialization, stating, “People tell me that whoever calls the Pakistan players, they just ask, ‘how much money will you give?’ This has become common.” He stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of official engagements and cautioned against monetizing events associated with Pakistan cricket.
After their T20 World Cup match against the United States, Pakistan faces India in a crucial showdown in New York.