PCB Accused Of Corruption Over Kits By Ex-Pakistan Star Amid 'Handshake' Row

Former Pakistan cricket team star Atiq-uz-Zaman took to social media to slam the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the kits being used during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Zaman slammed the poor quality of the jersey that was worn by Pakistan cricketers during the match against UAE on Wednesday and accused the cricket governing body of corruption. Zaman said that while other teams have proper dry-fit kits, the Pakistan cricketers were sweating through their jerseys. He went on to accuse PCB of given the tender for the manufacturing of kits to 'friends and not professionals'.

"Pakistan players sweating through low-quality kits while others wear proper dry-fits. This is what happens when tenders go to friends, not professionals. Corruption dripping more than the sweat," Zaman posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Pakistan players sweating through low-quality kits while others wear proper dry-fits. This is what happens when tenders go to friends, not professionals. Corruption dripping more than the sweat. #PAKvsUAE

— Atiq-uz-Zaman (@Atiq160Test) September 17, 2025

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has called on his team to sharpen their batting in the middle overs as they gear up for a high-stakes Asia Cup Super Four clash against India on September 21.

His comments came after Pakistan's 41-run victory over the UAE, a result that sealed their place in the next stage of the tournament but did little to hide the batting frailties that continue to dog the side.

"We got the job done but we needed to bat better in the middle overs," Agha said after the game. "The bowlers did well. We haven't batted to our best yet. If we batted well, we would have ended up with 170-180. Shaheen is a match winner. His batting has improved. Abrar has been outstanding. He is someone who is bringing us back into the games. We are ready for any challenge. If we play good cricket, we can be good against any side."

Pakistan managed only 146/9 against the UAE, rescued by a late surge from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who struck an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls. The top and middle order, however, once again failed to fire. Saim Ayub is yet to open his account in three matches, while Agha himself has struggled to impose authority in the middle overs.

The skipper reiterated that turning those phases into strong batting passages remains critical. "Yeah, we're ready for any challenge," Agha said. "We just want to play good cricket, and if we play good cricket like we've been playing for the last few months." He added that Pakistan must specifically address their stumbles between overs 7 and 15, which have repeatedly left them short of par totals.

(With IANS inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

Pakistan Cricket Team United Arab Emirates Atiquz Zaman Asia Cup 2025 Cricket