Cricket legend becomes envoy of two top betting companies

ISLAMABAD: A cricket legend of Pakistan has become ambassador of two of the top betting companies. The legendary fast bowler, while promoting these illegal betting surrogate companies, took to twitter saying, “I’ve had many unforgettable moments in cricket, but the real achievement is creating something that lasts. Join me at … and be part of the journey”.

He wrote in another tweet, “Let’s enjoy the thrill and make lasting memories together! Can’t wait to share this journey with you! …. — Win like a King!” On the other hand, The News had earlier reported how cricket stars like Babar Azam along with Muhammad Rizwan refused millions of rupees offered by the illegal betting companies, documented emails present with this correspondent unfolded.

The News asked the former cricketer to comment on the matter, but he blocked this correspondent. This correspondent sent several messages to the former skipper’s manager, but he did not respond.

Over 150 illegal surrogate betting companies which were banned by the caretaker government of Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar have resurfaced and are operating in Pakistan. Last year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through a notification titled — “Zero Tolerance for Surrogate Betting Companies,” categorically named a company with others betting outlets operating in Pakistan as illegal, and launched a crackdown and blocked more than 150 betting companies.

The ministry warned all relevant departments, media houses and companies not to indulge in any agreements with them. However, a week ago a sports channel was still advertising one of the betting companies’ logo on the live transmission of a cricket series between Siri Lanka and New Zealand.

It is pertinent to mention here that during the caretaker government, the then information minister stopped the transmission of the state TV’s sports channel during Pakistan vs Australia series because of the promotion of the logo of a company on the screen, which is now being promoted by the former star cricketer who has also accepted company’s sponsorship.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) when reached by The News said, “These images (betting company logos) are allegedly super imposed on the signal acquired by an International Sports channel. This violation cannot be technically ascertained by watching channel’s transmission. Nevertheless, the matter is being investigated in the context of whether the channel having Landing Rights Permission has the rights to broadcast this series or the same has acquired the rights from any other International broadcaster. If the channel is found guilty, the Pemra shall take punitive action under the law for the violation committed thereof.”

When asked, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said the authority was strictly advised to stop all such advertisements on websites/social media and applications on mobile phones.

To a question, the PTA spokesperson said, “The PTA’s role in blocking fraudulent or illegal applications is executed in coordination with key government organisations such as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), as they manage cases involving financial fraud and other relevant issues. The PTA blocks these applications based on complaints received from these authorities.”