Pakistan’s cricket team captain, Babar Azam, and wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan, have reportedly remained steadfast in their refusal to entertain tempting offers from illicit betting organizations. This commitment to ethics and the law has brought the duo into the spotlight as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) controversially engaged in partnerships with betting companies, including Dafa News, a surrogate betting sponsor allegedly connected to the proliferation of over 150 illegal proxy betting websites and apps operating within Pakistan.
In a move that appears to defy regulations and ethics, the PCB accepted sponsorship from Dafa News, a betting entity that has been accused of enabling the widespread operation of illegal proxy betting websites and applications across Pakistan through digital platforms.
This startling development has raised concerns within the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as some franchises have reportedly been pressuring their players to individually endorse the logos of these unlawful betting companies on their shirts and grant image rights. However, both Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan have made headlines by taking a principled stance against sponsorships and contracts that contravene the law.
Babar Azam, who is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most talented cricketers, is said to have turned down a substantial annual contract worth Rs250 million. Similarly, Muhammad Rizwan, who has been in exceptional form for the national team, declined a Rs100 million yearly contract from a single proxy betting firm. Their resolute decision to resist the lure of lucrative contracts highlights their commitment to the principles of integrity and the laws governing the game.
Surrogate betting companies made their way into Pakistan through the medium of cricket around 2021, with four out of the total six PSL franchises having surrogate betting sponsors as key contributors as of the 2023 season. The proliferation of such companies has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism, not just from cricket players but also from concerned citizens and authorities.
The government of Pakistan has initiated a crackdown on over 150 surrogate betting companies operating within the country, as these entities have caused significant economic losses and raised concerns about match-fixing and illegal gambling. However, despite more than a month since the government’s notification, these betting applications continue to operate without any apparent action from the authorities.
The ethical stand taken by Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan against illicit betting practices in cricket is not only commendable but also serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the laws and regulations that govern the sport. The controversy surrounding the PCB’s sponsorship deal with Dafa News and the proliferation of surrogate betting sponsors in the PSL indicate a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the ethics and integrity of cricket in Pakistan.
