A Pakistani citizen filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The complaint accuses former cricket captain Wasim Akram of promoting an illegal betting platform, which has sparked concern because gambling is banned in Pakistan under its laws and Islamic principles, leading to what some call “Wasim Akram betting complaint.”
The complaint claims Wasim Akram has been endorsing the betting platform since August 2024. Evidence includes social media posts, YouTube videos, and billboards in cities like Lahore and Karachi. Photos show ads near Khokhar Chowk, Shaukat Khanum Hospital, and Jail Road in Lahore. Although some online posts were deleted, videos and physical ads remain as proof. The platform is not registered or licensed in Pakistan, making its promotion illegal.
The NCCIA has not yet acted on the betting complaint. Additional Director Chaudhary Sarfaraz said the issue is outside his jurisdiction, as the complaint was filed in Islamabad, not Lahore. Efforts to reach NCCIA Director General Syed Waqarud Din for comment failed. The agency has previously targeted social media influencers like Ducky Bhai for similar promotions, but seems hesitant to pursue Akram.
Read: Ducky Bhai Arrested for Money Laundering via Gambling Apps in Pakistan
The complaint warns that illegal betting platforms can lead to serious issues like money laundering and organised crime. They also risk encouraging gambling among young people. Wasim Akram, as a cricket star, finds himself facing a complaint about allegedly promoting such activities. Pakistan’s government, through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Securities and Exchange Commission, has warned against such platforms before.
The complainant urged the NCCIA to hold celebrities like Akram accountable. They also called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to strengthen regulations. The issue highlights the need for consistent action against illegal gambling promotions, especially by public figures.
