Kamal Ghorui
After a dismal T20 World Cup campaign, Pakistan cricket has been hit by a fresh controversy after an unnamed squad member was reportedly fined for allegedly misbehaving with a female hotel staff member during the team’s stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The incident is believed to have occurred shortly before Pakistan’s final Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka and has since been quietly discussed within Pakistan cricket circles.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the episode unfolded at the Golden Crown Hotel, where Pakistan’s squad was staying during the tournament. “Before Pakistan’s last Super Eight match against Sri Lanka, a Pakistan World Cup squad player misbehaved with a female housekeeping staff,” sources told Telecom Asia Sport. The report added that the staff member “shouted and called for help, after which hotel staff came for her rescue and reported the matter to Pakistan team manager Naveed Cheema.”
Senior officials at the Golden Crown Hotel reportedly wanted strong action taken against the player. However, Cheema apologised to the hotel management on behalf of the cricketer and imposed a fine for the misconduct, effectively settling the issue internally at the time. While the player’s identity has not been revealed, the matter is far from closed, with the individual expected to face further scrutiny once back home.The report suggests the player could be summoned before the disciplinary committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board, which may decide on additional punishment. The controversy surfaced soon after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign, where the side failed to reach the semifinals after missing out on net run-rate despite defeating Sri Lanka by five runs in their final Super Eight match.The incident has also revived discussion around past controversies involving Pakistan touring squads. The report noted that batter Haider Ali was arrested by Manchester Police last year during a Pakistan Shaheens tour of England over rape allegations before being released due to insufficient evidence. In another earlier episode, team masseur Malang Ali was reportedly fined for misconduct with a female staff member during a tour of Malaysia.
