USA vs PAK: "It's terrible" - PCB exposed by Rashid Latif for charging fans $25 for 'private dinner' with Pakistan stars in USA

The Pakistan cricket team has yet again found itself in the midst of controversy just before the start of their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the USA and Caribbean. The Babar Azam-led Pakistan team reportedly hosted a private dinner party for fans in the USA.

And the most shocking part of the party was that they charged 25 US dollars per attendee for a 'meet and greet' with the players. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif brought the issue to light via social media, claiming that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the players organized the event.

Latif shared a video on microblogging site X, revealing that fans were allowed to meet the Pakistani players during the dinner if they paid the fee of 25 US dollars, which sparked widespread outrage among the fans, media, and former cricketers.

Pakistan cricket team faces backlash for charging fans at private dinner 

Latif expressed shock and disappointment over the shameful event ahead of the Men in Green’s opening game in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA on a Pakistan sports show.

On the same TV show, Dr. Nauman Niaz, a well-known Pakistani TV personality, lamented the sad state of affairs within the national team, even ahead of such a big tournament.

Kamran Muzaffar, the presenter of the show, also criticized the Pakistan team for hosting such events while on national duty and suggested that if the team management was keen on monetizing fan interactions, the price should have been higher.

Muzaffar emphasized that Pakistan cricketers should not be participating in meet-and-greet events for just 25 US dollars. Whereas, Dr. Niaz also questioned the team's focus and intent, saying that such controversial activities could distract players from their primary goal of performing well in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Rashid Latif criticizes Pakistan's $25 private dinner event before T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA

Meanwhile, Rashid Latif said in the video: “There are official dinners, but this is a private dinner. Who can do this? It's terrible. That means you met our players in 25 dollars. God forbid, had there been a mess, people would have said boys are earning money.”

Latif expressed his anger at the private dinner hosted by the Pakistan team in the USA, criticizing its commercial nature. Latif acknowledged that charity dinners are understandable and often commendable, but charging fans a fee for a private event was just disgraceful.

The former wicketkeeper further pointed out a concerning trend where Pakistani players are invited to events; the primary question revolves around monetary compensation. He recalled his playing days when such events were official and free from commercial exploitation.

Latif emphasized that during a major tournament like the T20 World Cup, players should avoid activities that might undermine their focus or the integrity of the national team.

Latif added, “People tell me that whoever calls the Pakistan players, they just ask, 'how much money will you give?' This has become common. You attend 2–3 dinners, but without the commercial angle. You can go for charity dinners and fundraisers, but this is neither fundraising nor a charity dinner. This is a private function with the name of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket associated with it. Don't make this mistake.”

Let’s Save The Star & Be Stars
Unofficial Private Dinner During WC24#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BXEgPyA2p2

— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) June 4, 2024