Court Halts PCB from Signing Gambling Sponsorship Deals

The Peshawar High Court has ruled against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) entering into sponsorship agreements with gambling companies, following a petition that challenged such deals involving the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the PCB.

While gambling sponsorships are a common way for operators to reach wider audiences, particularly in markets where betting is restricted, these arrangements have sparked controversy in Pakistan, where gambling is illegal. The court’s decision came after resident Syed Muhammad Tanseer Ahmad Sherazi filed a petition objecting to the presence of gambling logos on PSL and national cricket team uniforms.

Despite the gambling ban in Pakistan, logos from international betting companies such as MelBAT, 1xBat, and BJ Sports were seen on players' jerseys, prompting Sherazi to raise concerns. His attorney, Nouman Muhib Kakakhel, argued that through proxy companies, these betting operators were able to promote their services in Pakistan and even target underage individuals.

The court found that betting platforms used local financial services to bypass Pakistan's gambling ban and offered apps accessible via iOS and Android devices. The ruling, delivered by Justice Waqar Ahmad and Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, effectively prohibits the PCB and PSL from signing any future gambling sponsorships.

The issue of gambling logos on cricket uniforms has not only drawn legal attention but also criticism from players. Muhammad Rizwan, a prominent PSL cricketer, notably covered up a gambling logo on his jersey during a game, signalling his personal disapproval of promoting betting.

This move mirrors broader trends in sports globally. In the UK, for example, English Premier League clubs will begin a voluntary ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships starting from the 2026-2027 season.