Pakistan’s cricketing legend Wasim Akram, often hailed as the “Sultan of Swing,” has found himself at the center of controversy after a citizen filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore. The allegation was endorsing a banned online betting platform that could potentially land him in legal jeopardy.
The complaint, submitted by a citizen named Muhammad Fiaz, accuses the former Pakistan captain of promoting an online gambling app called *Baji*, reportedly linked to an Indian company. According to the petitioner, promotional posters and a video circulating on social media show Akram encouraging fans to join the platform for an “exciting experience.”
In Pakistan, gambling and related endorsements are strictly prohibited under national law. The complaint urges authorities to take action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which includes provisions against promoting unlawful online activities. NCCIA officials have confirmed they are reviewing the complaint, raising the possibility of legal proceedings if the claims are proven true.
Wasim Akram, now 59, has long been an influential voice in Pakistan’s cricketing world and a familiar face in advertising campaigns across television and digital platforms. His silence on the matter so far has only fueled speculation and debate.
The controversy comes amid a broader crackdown on celebrities and influencers accused of endorsing betting apps disguised as sports-related platforms. Critics argue that such endorsements mislead fans and promote activities banned under Pakistani law.
For Akram, whose cricketing career brought immense pride to the nation, this episode shifts the spotlight from his achievements on the field to questions over accountability and ethics in the digital age. With regulators tightening their grip, the outcome of this complaint could set a precedent for how public figures navigate endorsements in Pakistan’s evolving media industry.
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