Fresh controversy hits Pakistan! PCB set to take legal action as players face backlash over taking family members to USA

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to take the legal route to save Pakistan players who are facing severe backlash after the team's dismal campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Pakistan bowed out of the tournament at the group stage after losing two of their four games. The Babar Azam-led side started its campaign with losses against the USA and India before beating Canada and Ireland. With USA's game against Ireland getting washed out, the co-hosts joined India in the Super 8s from Group A.

After the disastrous campaign, the Pakistan players are facing severe criticism from the fans as well as officials not only for their performance but also for taking their family members to the USA. As per reports, nearly 34 players, support staff, and officials were part of the Pakistan team in the USA.

The team hotel also accommodated around 26 to 28 family members of the players. The family members included wives, children, parents, and even siblings. As per a report in the Times of India, the likes of Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Amir had family members traveling with them.

The report also quoted a source as saying that the players and not the PCB had incurred the expense of the family members. The source, however, admitted that having family members around might have affected the players' focus.

"The extra expenses incurred on having families is obviously paid by players but having family members around does hit the focus of the players," stated a report from the local media. "The environment was a family one with take-away dinners and outings being the norm for some players."

PCB to take legal action:

With the players facing backlash over taking their family members to the USA, the PCB is contemplating legal action under a new defamation law passed by the Punjab government. The PCB will take the help of the law to
pursue digital or mainstream media that insinuate corruption or make personal attacks on the players without proof.

As per the new law, any digital journalist or media personality making baseless allegations about a public figure can face hefty fines and jail time if found guilty. The PCB's move comes after a YouTuber accused Babar Azam of accepting an expensive car as a gift.