Rashid Latif, a former wicketkeeper for Pakistan, voiced his disbelief at the Pakistan Cricket Board and players for setting up a special dinner where fans could meet the national squad for $25 per person.
After hosting a paid private supper for supporters during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States, the Pakistan cricket team has once again found themselves embroiled in controversy. Former players and industry insiders are hitting the players hard for throwing an unofficial private dinner party for the fans.
This dinner is private; there are formal dinners. Who is capable of this? It is awful. Thus, you had a $25 encounter with our athletes. “If there had been a mess, people would have assumed that boys were making money,” Latif stated in a video that was uploaded to his X account.
Let’s Save The Star & Be Stars
Unofficial Private Dinner During WC24#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BXEgPyA2p2— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) June 4, 2024
Things were not the same in our day. Rashid Latif
Latif was accompanied in her criticism of the money-making event by cricket TV celebrity Dr. Nauman Niaz, who said it was a sad state of affairs that made the team’s priorities during a major tournament like the World Cup questionable. Even though private paid dinners for fan encounters are widespread, Latif stated that they are undesirable, especially at a price point of only $25 USD. Charity and fundraiser dinners are common.
According to what people tell me, when someone calls the Pakistani players, they simply ask, ‘How much money will you give?’ It’s now typical to do this. Back then, things were not the same. There were two or three formal meals that we had. However, because of the World Cup, this is highlighted. Players ought to exercise caution, then. Latif stated that such a conspicuous spending of twenty-five bucks was inappropriate.
Also read: The ICC will make extra tickets available for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match.
Prior to Pakistan’s first-ever Twenty20 World Cup match versus the United States of America in Dallas on June 6, a contentious private dinner was held.
“You go to two or three dinners; the commercial aspect is absent. While you are welcome to attend fundraisers and charity dinners, this is not one of them. There is a private event being held in the name of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. Don’t commit this error,” he said in conclusion.
The Pakistani players and management have come under fire from critics who point to their apparent lack of maturity and possible distraction from the preparations for such a major game.
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