Popular Pakistan cricketers recently rejected offers that require them to promote controversial items and products. Top players from the teem like Mohammad Rizwan and skipper Babar Azam have shown their resolve to stop promotion of products they do not use based on their religious beliefs.
Other players in the team are fully supportive of their new decision too according to multiple reports. A recent tweet from Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu), a popular X (formerly Twitter) sports influencer made this known to fans:
“Top Pakistani cricketers, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, have decided to include a clause in their contracts with various franchise T20 leagues that they will not endorse or promote products from certain categories, such as tobacco, alcohol, surrogate betting products…”
The new request will mean any product these cricketers find controversial won’t be pasted on their jerseys going forward.
How Did Fans React to the Recent Stance of Pakistan Cricketers Against Promoting Some Products?
Many cricket fans in Pakistan were full of joy to hear such news and many expressed their views in comments under Himanshu Pareek’s post. See some of the comments below:
Muhammad Tauha Siddiqui (@wakeupsidd007):
“They are making a statement that money is not everything and setting an example for the world that one should set his standards and there will be no compromise on these standards. Impressing on and off the field by their actions. More power to all of them !”
Emaan Fatima (@AishaBilal36117):
“Rizwan was the one initiating it in psl then babar further solidified the stance in international leagues irrespective of the backlash or money deduction. Hopefully other people also get the courage now. Kudos to both”
Did the Players Request Something Similar in their PCB Contract?
According to many sources, the senior Pakistan cricketers want a similar clause included in their PCB contract. This clause will prevent Pakistan players from promoting products they are against while playing for the national team.
A long-running contract row did not include this part in the potential agreement; however, it seems the crickets now want it added to any future deal.
Has There Been Any Settlement to the Popular PCB – Players Promotion Contract Row?
There is still no word at the time of writing to suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come to a resolution with their players concerning contract financials.
The Men in Green seek more cash for their work and a greater say in how they participate in T20 leagues abroad. PCB officials refused to honor the players’ earlier request and looked set to offer a controlling contract that didn’t sit well with Pakistani cricketers.
Senior players in the team like Babar Azam have been at loggerheads with PCB officials for some time based on this issue. During this time, it has become common for bloggers to post fake news that Pakistan may field string-C players at the Asia Cup 2023.
A recent interview with an unnamed PCB officials shed more light on the root cause of PCB’s row with players:
“The players’ point of view is that other cricket boards either are not involved in the sale of players digital rights or have a proper agreement with them on the sharing of revenues from this avenue…The PCB does give the players a share from their digital rights sales but the players feel it is not enough,”
PCB allowing players get their way will mean cricketers have greater control over their promotional fees and sales of digital rights. Also, many other cricket boards allow players better handling of their digital image rights and revenue sharing and Pakistan cricketers want more money for their effort on and off the pitch.
Who Will Be the Captain of Pakistan at Asia Cup 2023 Amid the Contract Row?
It is still quite certain that star man Babar Azam will be at the helm when Pakistan open their Asia Cup campaign on August 30, 2023. Fans and commentators expect the players and PCB officials to resolve contract issues way before cricket balls start flying in Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Asia Cup.
If we’re sure of anything, the mouth-watering Pakistan vs India tie on September 2, 2023 is enough motivation to get all Men in Green cricketers on board.
Check out the full Pakistan squad to take part in their Asia Cup 2023 campaign:
Babar Azam (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ulHaq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, and Usama Mir.
