Babar Azam To Take Legal Action Against Journalist Who Accused Him Of Match-Fixing: Report

Babar Azam has apparently consulted his lawyers and is set to file a defamation case against the journalist who accused him of match fixing. PCB has also broken its silence on the issue.

Following serious match-fixing allegations against Babar Azam, the man who was the captain of the Pakistan team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 has reportedly decided to take strict legal actions. While there has not been an official comment yet, it is being reported that the right-handed batter will file a defamation case against the journalist who was at the forefront of levelling the charges against Babar.

Notably, following Pakistan's group-stage exit from the ICC event, there was a barrage of criticism that was being sent the team's way. With Babar at the helm of affairs, it was understandable that he would be attract a major chunk of the backlash. However, journalist Mubasher Lacman levelled serious allegations when in a video shared on YouTube, he claimed that the Babar received expensive gifts including an Audi E-Tron and apartments in Australia and Dubai and deliberately underperformed, costing his side matches.

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Luckman alleged that the car that Babar received was actually a bribe which led to the former champions losing to T20 World Cup debutants United States of America (USA) in their first match of the competition. However, 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 Cricket Board Breaks Silence 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.