Players Deny Fraud Claims
Several former and current Pakistani cricketers have addressed recent reports of alleged investment fraud. They said they invested in a private company and denied any wrongdoing against them.
We invested in the company, and nothing fraudulent happened, one player told reporters. The company contacted us and promised to clear all payments by March.
The players added that only two cheques had bounced so far, describing it as a temporary delay rather than fraud.
Also Read: Pakistani Cricketers Lose Millions in Alleged Investment Scam
PCB Involvement
The players confirmed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has contacted them about the issue. They told him that no problems had occurred and promised to inform him immediately if anything changed.
The company’s owner, based in Dubai, remains in direct contact with us, a cricketer said. He assured us all payments would be completed by March.
Investment Background
Earlier reports suggested some cricketers might have faced fraud. However, sources indicate that the players did not file any formal complaints with authorities. They also did not ask the PCB to intervene.
Several cricketers reportedly followed a former captain’s lead and invested with a businessperson. The group includes former and current team captains. Some players also invested independently.
The investments promised unusually high returns, a source said. Many players invested large sums of money based on those expectations. Reports suggest the total investment involves multiple crores of Pakistani rupees, although exact figures are unverified.
Broader Context
Athletes often face high-risk investment schemes due to their public profiles and access to capital. Financial advisors worldwide warn sports professionals to be cautious with opportunities that promise extraordinary returns.
In Pakistan, cricket attracts immense public attention. Fans and media closely follow players’ financial dealings. Even unverified allegations can quickly become major news. This explains why players felt the need to publicly clarify their position.
Looking Ahead
For now, players remain confident. They are in direct contact with the company owner, and all pending payments are expected by March. The PCB continues to monitor the situation closely.
Players emphasized that they do not consider themselves victims of fraud. They believe the company will honor its commitments, keeping the issue under control.
