Cricketers deny scam claims, say payments due after bounced cheques reports

Several current and former Pakistani cricketers have pushed back against reports of an investment “fraud,” saying they have invested in a foreign-based venture but have not personally experienced a scam.

Players who spoke to Geo News said the controversy intensified after reports that two cheques linked to other investors were returned, triggering speculation that multiple national-team players had lost large sums. They said the company remains in contact and has promised to clear outstanding payments by March.

According to the players, at least one investor who put in a principal amount of Rs40 million recently received a payment of 200,000 dirhams. They said this was being overlooked amid louder claims of wrongdoing.

Sources added that Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi contacted the players about the matter. The players reportedly told him they do not see a major issue at present and would inform the board if the situation changes. They also said the company’s owner is currently in Dubai and continues to communicate with them.

The company owner, who also contacted Geo News, said cricketers have been investing with him since 2023 and that written agreements exist. He said investors hold guarantee cheques from his company and denied allegations of fraud.

He also disputed claims about being US-based, saying he has not been to the United States and does not have a US visa. He said he is operating from Dubai and remains available to the players.

Earlier reports had suggested the alleged case involved both former and current cricketers, including a former captain, but no formal complaint had been filed. The reports claimed unusually high returns had attracted multiple investors, and a well-known players’ agent was also said to be among those who suffered losses.