PCB mulling legal action against media trying to make baseless personal attacks on Pakistan players - Reports

Pakistan v Canada - ICC Men
Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage of T20 World Cup (Image: Getty)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering taking legal action against the mainstream and digital media for their personal attacks on Pakistan players without any proof. Of late, the Men in Green have faced severe criticism from the fans for their underperformance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite being in the same group as lower-ranked teams USA, Ireland and Canada, Babar Azam's team could not qualify for the Super 8s stage.

After the team's elimination, reports surfaced on media claiming that the players were distracted because they took many family members with them to the USA. Babar Azam reportedly traveled with his parents and brothers, while Mohammad Amir took his own personal trainer to the United States.

As per PTI, the players paid the expenses for the extra members traveling with them. Notably, 60 hotel rooms were booked for the 15-man squad's stay in the USA. This has led to negative remarks from fans about the player's family members as well.

The news agency has now reported that PCB is thinking of filing a defamation case against digital media and digital journalists who try to portray a negative image of players or their family members without any proof. This new defamation law was recently passed by the Punjab government in Pakistan.

Which Pakistan players traveled with family to USA for 2024 T20 World Cup?

The Men in Green played all of their group-stage matches in the United States. They played against India and Canada in New York, while Dallas and Florida hosted their matches against the USA and Ireland, respectively.

As per reports, not just skipper Babar Azam and fast bowler Mohammad Amir, but other squad members, namely Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan also had family members traveling with them to the USA. Now, all eyes are on the PCB and their next decision regarding this matter.

Quick Links

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee