Wasim Akram Faces Backlash for
Karachi, Pakistan – Former Pakistani cricket captain Wasim Akram has sparked controversy by becoming the brand ambassador for an Indian gambling company, Baji.com. This move comes despite a crackdown on gambling advertisements in Pakistan and allegations of match-fixing against Akram himself.
Baji.com, reportedly owned by the Arora Group of Companies, is registered in India, London, and Kuala Lumpur. Akram’s appearance in a promotional video for the platform has drawn sharp criticism, given Pakistan’s ban on gambling advertisements and the ongoing efforts to curb illegal betting in the country.
Last year, the caretaker government took action against 150 companies involved in sports gambling, instructing cricket boards, leagues, and broadcasters to sever all ties with such entities. Despite this, Akram has partnered with an Indian gambling company, raising concerns among fans and the public.
Adding fuel to the fire, former Test cricketer Sarfaraz Nawaz has reiterated accusations of match-fixing against Akram, claiming that Pakistan fixed two matches during the 1999 World Cup under Akram’s captaincy. Nawaz alleges that both the final match and a group stage match against Bangladesh were compromised.
These allegations are not new. Akram has faced scrutiny in the past regarding match-fixing, including during the Justice Qayyum Commission inquiry. Nawaz insists that if stricter punishments had been enforced at the time, cricket would not be facing the current challenges with gambling and corruption.
Akram’s association with Baji.com has reignited these controversies, raising questions about his judgment and the potential impact on his legacy. The incident also highlights the ongoing struggle to combat illegal gambling in cricket, particularly in South Asia.
