World Cup 2023: Pakistan have not been paid for five months, claims Rashid Latif

Pakistan are enduring a terrible World Cup campaign with two wins in six matches. After starting off well, they have suffered four straight defeats in the Cricket World Cup in India. To add to their woes, they’ve reportedly not been paid for months. World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table Former cricketer Rashid Latif has alleged that the cricket team has not been paid for five months by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Latif made the allegation after Pakistan’s defeat to South Africa on 27 October. “Babar Azam has been messaging the chairman. But he is not responding. He even texted Salman Naseer (PCB COO). But he did not respond either. What it is the reason that he is not responding to his captain? Then, you are giving out a press release. You are also saying the central contracts will be redone. Players have not received salaries for five months. Should the players listen to you?" Latif said on PTV Sports.

Latif’s statement comes at a time when skipper Babar Azam has come under the scanner given Pakistan’s World Cup decable. PCB in a statement expressed their support with him and the team. It added that future decisions will be taken based on the “team’s performance".

“Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board’s stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023," PCB had said. “Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team’s performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event," the statement had further noted.