Pakistan cricket and controversy go hand in hand. The Men in Green failed to go past the Super 8 stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Days after their exit from the showpiece event, it has come to light that an unnamed Pakistan squad member was fined for allegedly misbehaving with a female hotel staff member during the team’s stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
The incident apparently unfolded shortly before Pakistan’s final Super 8 fixture against Sri Lanka and has since become a quietly discussed topic within Pakistan cricket circles.
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the episode took place at the Golden Crown Hotel, where Pakistan’s squad was staying during the tournament.
“Before Pakistan’s last Super Eight match against Sri Lanka, a Pakistan World Cup squad player misbehaved with a female housekeeping staff,” sources told the publication.
The report further stated that the staff member “shouted and called for help, after which hotel staff came for her rescue and reported the matter to Pakistan team manager Naveed Cheema.”
As per the report, senior officials at the hotel wanted to take strong action against the player. However, Cheema apologised on behalf of the cricketer and slapped a fine for the misconduct, effectively settling the issue internally at the time.
The player’s identity may have been kept as a secret, but the matter is far from closed. He is expected to face further scrutiny once back home.
The report claims the player could be summoned before the disciplinary committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board, which may take a call on additional punishment.
Earlier, it was reported that the PCB has decided impose a fine of PKR 50 lakh each on Pakistani players for their flop show in the T20 World Cup.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the move to penalize the players was made right after Pakistan’s 61-run humiliating defeat against arch-rivals India. Salman Ali Agha and his men were reportedly told the fines may end up being waived off if Pakistan reached the semifinals, but they couldn’t deliver the result.
