Pakistan captain Babar Azam | Source: X.com
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has decided to take legal action against Pakistani journalist Mubasher Lucman, who has accused him of match-fixing following the Pakistan cricket team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024.
Mubasher Lucman posted a video on his YouTube channel, making a statement that shook the entire cricket fraternity. In the video, he claimed that Babar Azam received expensive gifts, including an Audi E-Tron and apartments in Australia and Dubai, in return for notorious defeats.
The media personality stated that Babar Azam received a new car and told the world that his brother gifted it to him. However, according to Lucman, he got the car for losing the game against the USA in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.
After hearing these allegations, Babar Azam decided not to stay quiet. He has consulted his lawyers and decided to sue Lucman for making false accusations against him, as reported by PTI.
Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also considering taking legal action against the journalist.
“We are fully aware of these negative comments. Criticism within the bounds of the game is acceptable, and there is no objection to it. However, baseless allegations like match-fixing cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” said a PCB source, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
“PCB has no doubts, so why should we conduct an inquiry? Those who made the allegations should provide proof. We have instructed our legal department to issue notices to such individuals and demand evidence. If not provided, we will seek compensation for defamation. A new law in Punjab ensures that a decision will come within six months,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam is still in London enjoying his vacation. He will soon return to Pakistan, where he is expected to submit a report on the disappointing performance of the team in the T20 World Cup 2024. The fate of his captaincy of Pakistan’s white-ball team will be decided by the PCB later.
