Wasim Akram joins Mia Khalifa in advertising betting app?

ISLAMABAD: Amid a strict ban on surrogate advertisement of betting companies in Pakistan, cricket legend Wasim Akram has joined an India-based betting and gambling company, Baji, as a brand ambassador to advertise the company in the country.

The sports betting company has also signed several influential personalities including actress Mia Khalifa, English cricket legend Kevin Peterson, and former Argentinian footballer Gabriel Batistuta among others.

While promoting the betting company, the former Pakistan team captain on social media shared a promo video with the Baji logo on it, and wrote, “Join me at Baji for some serious fun and excitement. Let’s enjoy the thrill and make lasting memories together! Can’t wait to share this journey with you! …. — Win like a King!”

He wrote in another post, “I’ve had many unforgettable moments in cricket, but the real achievement is creating something that lasts. Join me at … and be part of the journey”.

The surrogate advertisement of a betting company from the legendary fast bowler signals that the companies, which were banned by the caretaker government of Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, have been resurfacing in Pakistan.

Last year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting vowed ‘zero tolerance against the surrogate companies of the betting houses’, urging the stakeholders to prevent their promotion through any kind of advertisements during live coverage of the sports events.

The ministry warned all relevant departments, media houses, and companies not to indulge in any agreements with them.