ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to instruct Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises and other cricket-related entities to immediately terminate all contracts and business dealings with surrogate companies operating illegally in Pakistan.
In a letter, the ministry highlighted that certain surrogate companies were unlawfully involved in sponsoring and advertising contracts with various media outlets and sports enterprises in Pakistan.
“The ministry noted that several PSL franchises, including Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, and numerous internet and mobile companies, are promoting the business of surrogate companies by displaying their logos on social media platforms such as Twitter (now called X) and Facebook within the jurisdiction of Pakistan,” the statement read.
The betting companies identified in these activities include dafaNews, 1XBAT, MCW Sports, Wolf777News, BJ Sports, and MELBAT.
Earlier on September 25, the ministry issued a statement advising stakeholders to refrain from conducting business with surrogate companies and promptly terminate any existing agreements with them.
It was observed that certain betting entities had entered the Pakistani market with slightly modified names. Such instances are categorized as surrogacy, and these firms are termed surrogates of the parent enterprises. They are actively involved in sponsorship and advertising contracts with various media outlets and sports enterprises.
The ministry also called upon the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block all websites and applications associated with illegal betting by the aforementioned surrogate companies. This includes social media handles of individuals or organizations displaying the logos of these surrogate companies.
Similarly, the ministry urged all ministries, departments, and organizations to refrain from entering into any contracts or collaborations with these companies, especially on print, electronic, and social media platforms.
