Former Pakistani Cricketer Wasim Akram Faces Backlash After Appearing with Mia Khalifa in Betting Company Ad

Former Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram has sparked controversy in Pakistan after appearing in an advertisement for an Indian betting company. The advertisement, which features Akram alongside former adult film star Mia Khalifa, has led to significant backlash due to Pakistan's strict regulations prohibiting endorsements of betting companies.

Despite the ban on promoting gambling and betting firms in Pakistan, Akram is the brand ambassador for this Indian company, a decision that has placed him at the center of public debate. The company also signed other prominent figures like English cricketer Kevin Pietersen and former Argentine footballer Gabriel Batistuta, alongside Khalifa.

The video, shared by Akram on his social media, shows him encouraging fans to join the betting platform. In his post, he wrote, "I have had many unforgettable moments in cricket, but the real achievement is creating something that lasts. Join me on this app."

Many Pakistanis, however, have expressed their disapproval of Akram’s involvement with a company tied to betting, especially given Khalifa's past career in the adult film industry. The ad has become a hot topic in Pakistan, raising discussions about the ethics of celebrity endorsements and the country's moral stance on such issues.