 "A complaint has been filed against Wasim Akram for allegedly promoting betting in Pakistan. Image: AFP")
Pakistan’s legendary cricketer, Wasim Akram, finds himself in hot water for allegedly promoting a gambling and betting app in his country. A complaint has been filed against the 59-year-old former fast bowler Akram with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) due to his alleged association with an online “gambling and betting” platform relating to sports.
The complaint was filed by Muhammad Fiaz in Lahore as he alleged that the former Pakistan captain has links with a foreign betting App – Baji – as its brand ambassador.
“A poster circulating on social media and a video clip show Wasim Akram endorsing the online platform, which has sparked interest among general users in the App,” the complainant said.
Akram faces allegations of promoting betting
Fiaz has urged the NCCIA to take action against Akram under the Electronic Crimes Act of 2016.
The news of a complaint against Akram for allegedly endorsing betting in Pakistan was confirmed to the Indian news agency PTI by an official from NCCIA, who also added that “we will take action against him if the allegations are found true”.
The Baji Bet “Betting and Casino” as per its Indian website is owned by Aurora Holdings NV, a company based in Curacao.
Social media full of Akram promoting Baji products
A cursory search on the social media platform X produces multiple posts from Baji-linked casino and betting handles featuring Wasim Akram as their brand ambassador and endorsing their products.
In one of the videos that has been posted by a social media handle @bjaffiliatezara, Akram can be seen in an advertisement, saying, “Experience the thrill of sports, like never before. I am proud to be the new brand ambassador of Baji. Join me here and ‘Win like a King’.”
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View AllThe video was posted on 20 August 2024.
Akram faces criticism from fans
The former cricketer Akram also faced flak from fans, who accused him of promoting betting in Pakistan.
“Almost all influencers promoted it. Why the app is working in Pakistan? What about betting apps supporting psl franchises? Wasim Akram promoted it,” a fan wrote.
Here are some more reactions:
Akram is yet to make an official statement on the matter.
A TikToker and YouTuber, Saad-ur-Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, was also arrested in Pakistan on Saturday for allegedly promoting the betting app Baji.