Rizwan ‘faced intense pressure’ over refusal to wear betting logo in 2023 PSL

ISLAMABAD: On the eve of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) semifinal between Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalander in March 2023, Multan captain Muhammad Rizwan reportedly came under intense pressure from the franchise management and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after refusing to wear the logo of a surrogate betting company.

The controversy echoes earlier tensions between star players and the cricket board over betting-linked sponsorships. In the same year, The News reported that both Rizwan and Babar Azam declined lucrative offers from betting companies, while PCB allegedly asked Rizwan to delete a tweet dedicating a World Cup century to Palestinians under Israeli bombardment.

Despite the mounting pressure, Rizwan is said to have stood firm in his refusal to promote the betting platform, framing the issue as both a moral and religious stand.

The then team member cricketer from Multan Sultans, who spoke to this correspondent on condition of anonymity, revealed that the then general manager Haider Azhar allegedly warned Rizwan that he could face a hefty fine for breaching contractual obligations. Rizwan, however, is said to have told management that he was willing to bear the financial penalty. According to the player, Rizwan was also threatened with removal from captaincy and even being benched for the semifinal under the pretext of a “sudden injury.” The pressure, insiders claim, extended beyond the franchise. A credible PCB source confirmed to The News that the board also urged Multan Sultans to ensure Rizwan complied with sponsorship commitments, warning that his refusal could “create a bad impression” for the sponsor.

Further attempts were made to persuade Rizwan on religious grounds. The then owner of Multan Sultan Team Alamgir Khan Tareen stepped in and said that whatever Muhammad Rizwan wants will happen after which everybody backed out from persuading Rizwan to wear the logo.

These events are confirmed by multiple sources by The News.

Responding to questions, Haider Azhar admitted PCB officials were “concerned” with Rizwan’s stance but denied issuing threats. “I never forced him. I only tried to explain the contractual situation. Why would I drop my favorite captain before a semifinal?” he said. Haider also rejected claims that Rizwan had been silenced or threatened with exclusion from the team.

“PCB has never forced Rizwan or any other player to wear any logo. It is a matter between him and his Franchise”, the board stated while officially responding to questions sent by The News regarding the matter.