Pakistani cricketers' night out video stirs controversy

By
Web Desk
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Fans allege Shoaib, Sania and other Pakistan cricketers were at the sheesha cafe till 2am 

MANCHESTER: A picture and video of cricketer Shoaib Malik, wife Sania Mirza and other cricketers visiting a sheesha cafe allegedly on the night prior to Pakistan's match against India has stirred controversy.  

The picture and video started generating controversy as Pakistan faced an upsetting defeat in the match against arch-rivals India due to the poor performance of players.

After the match, fans alleged that Shoaib, Sania and other cricketers of the Pakistani team were at the sheesha café till 2am in the morning, hours before Pakistan’s critical match with India.  

However, the video was from the night of June 14 (Friday) not Saturday as being alleged by fans and on social media. 

In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified that no player had violated curfew and returned to their hotel rooms’ on-time the night before Pakistan’s match against India. The board added that players had gone out with their families two days before the match. 

Sania in a tweet said the video was shot with seeking permission. 

Shoaib Malik was dismissed on a golden duck during the match which was his second straight dismissal in the tournament without scoring a run.