Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram’s name has appeared in the case for allegedly promoting an illegal gambling platform. Akram is one of the tallest figures in the cricketing world. During his international career, he took more than 500 wickets in 356 matches and concluded his career as the most successful bowler for Pakistan in March 2003. Akram, who is an influential personality in his country, is often known for his delivering cricketing insights to avid buffs of gentlemen’s sport but recently, he hit the headlines for the wrong reason.
In a complaint filed by a person named Muhammad Fiaz with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore, Akram was accused of endorsing an overseas betting application Baji, which is banned in Pakistan. As per the petitioner, Akram emboldened users to engage with the app as he showed up in a poster and promotional clips doing rounds on different social media.
Following the complaint from Fiaz, officials from the NCCIA confirmed that they got the complaint and a scrutiny is underway. If evidence supports the assertions from the complaint, Akram might face legal actions from the investigating authorities as per under the Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, which forbids such advertisements.
Wasim Akram stays silent on allegation of endorsing illegal gambling application
Following these developments, Wasim Akram hasn’t issued any statement on the allegations. Akram has stepped into this controversy at a time when Pakistani authorities have launched crackdown on celebrities and influencers promoting betting apps in the nation. Recently, renowned YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman also known as Ducky Bhai was arrested for alleged endorsement of the same platform.
Amidst these developments, Akram appeared on the Stick With Cricket podcast and said his nation will be fine if India avoid playing against his team in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. “The Asia Cup schedule has been announced. Let's see what happens. They are probably getting a backlash. But in Pakistan, we are okay. We are actually calm. We are fine if we play or if we don't play. The game must go on,” said Akram.
