Pakistan will begin its T20 WC journey on June 6.
Cricket in Pakistan is inextricably linked to controversy. Whether deliberate or unintentional, whatever Pakistan cricketers say or do makes headlines for the wrong reasons.
Just two days ago, a video leaked on social media showing Pakistan captain Babar Azam allegedly body-shamed wicketkeeper Azam Khan during a practice session.
And now Rashid Latif has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Team for hosting a private meal worth $25. Pakistan is claimed to have organized a 'secret dinner' in the United States of America just before the commencement of their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, inviting fans to a 'meet and greet'.
According to a video released by Latif on social media, fans could meet Pakistani players during the exclusive dinner for a charge of 25 USD. This has caused a great uproar among the Pakistani cricket community.
Latif says in the video, "There are official dinners, but this is a private dinner. Who can do this? It's terrible. That means you met our players for 25 dollars. God forbid, had there been a mess, people would have said boys are earning money. People tell me that whoever calls the Pakistan players, they just ask 'how much money will you give?' This has become common.
Things were different at our time, we had 2-3 dinners but they were official. But this is highlighted because it's the World Cup. So, the players should be careful. The amount of 25 dollars shouldn't be blatantly used like this. You attend 2-3 dinners, but without the commercial angle. You can go for charity dinners and fundraisers, but this is neither fundraising nor a charity dinner. This is a private function with the name of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket associated with it. Don't make this mistake."
Here is the video:
Pakistan will begin its T20 World Cup 2024 on June 6 against the USA.