Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked intense criticism from former cricketers and administrators, focusing on issues such as poor fitness and lack of intent. The team, led by Babar Azam, started their campaign with defeats against debutants USA and former champions India, and despite winning their last two matches, they could not progress past the group stage.
In the aftermath of this disappointing performance, senior journalist Mubashir Lucman has leveled a serious allegation against Babar Azam. Lucman claimed that Babar was gifted a costly Audi e-Tron GT by his elder brother late last year, a car valued at over INR 2 crore (more than double in Pakistani rupees). Lucman questioned how Babar’s brother, who reportedly does not work, could afford such an expensive gift. He insinuated that the car might be linked to under-the-table deals, suggesting that players who perform poorly could be receiving illicit benefits.
پاکستان کرکٹ ٹیم کے مایہ ناز جواری کھلاڑی…..
بابر اعظم کو امریکا سے میچ ہارنے پر 8 کروڑ کی آڈی ای ٹرون کار اور دبئی میں اپارٹمنٹ کا
👇👇👇👇تحفہ ملا۔ مبشر لقمان کا انکشاف pic.twitter.com/QaaDumG4W9— iffi Raza (@Rizzvi73) June 19, 2024
This allegation has elicited mixed reactions, with some defending the team and accusing detractors of attempting to tarnish the players’ reputations.
These are serious allegations on Babar Azam from senior journalist Mubashir Luqman.
Investigation should be done by PCB.
More to come in upcoming days…#WT20_2024 pic.twitter.com/o1ji2JlApd— Cric mate (@Crickmate13) June 19, 2024
People need to stop underestimating how much Babar Azam makes.
PSL makes him $250,000, his salary from the PCB is around the same + 2 other leagues would make him close to $1 million.
This is without branding, advertising etc…
This car is only worth around $100k. https://t.co/Ozmt9mOE0x
— Raz Khan (@razkhan789) June 19, 2024
I have just one question: Why couldn't Babar Azam's brother afford shoes for him when he desperately needed them, yet he suddenly gifted Babar Azam an 8 crore car?
The question that remains unanswered is: Where did he earn that money from? https://t.co/Hkt9Ju36Pz
— Maham B. (@mzbukh) June 19, 2024
Meanwhile, several senior members of the Pakistan team, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, may be rested for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh in August. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly in contact with Test captain Shan Masood, currently playing for Yorkshire in England, and the new red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, to finalize plans for the series.
A PCB source mentioned that one proposal under consideration is to rest senior players and give opportunities to uncapped or less experienced players. However, no final decision has been made, as the ultimate team selection will be decided by Masood and Gillespie. Additionally, the PCB might consult with white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten on strategies for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March next year.
These developments come at a crucial time for Pakistan cricket, as the PCB looks to address the team’s issues and prepare for future competitions.
