Pakistan captain Babar Azam has reportedly filed a defamation suit of Rs. 1 billion against the journalist who blamed him for match-fixing in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 after Men in Green's ordinary show in the marquee event. Babar Azam-led side are currently out of the World Cup after losing two consecutive matches against the United States and India respectively.
The journalist alleged that Azam received expensive gifts such as an Audi E-Tron and luxury apartments in Australia and Dubai and that led to the team's poor performance in the World Cup.
A report carried by Dawn News now claims that the 29-year-old has consulted his lawyers and will now sue Mubasher Lucman for defamation.
Pakistan's performance in the T20 World Cup 2024
Pakistan lost their two matches out of three in the group stage. They lost their opener clash against the co-host United States and after that arch-rivals India defeated them by six runs in a nail-biter clash. They got out of the tournament after the clash between India and Ireland washed out due to rain.
PCB on match-fixing allegations
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also broken its silence on the match-fixing allegations but has backed Babar.
"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," a PCB source said as quoted in a report 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.
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