Pakistan cricketer Saeed Ajmal on Thursday rejected a media report of Pakistani cricketers being stranded in Uganda, saying that “Pakistani cricketers are ‘safe and happy’ in Uganda” contrary to the report.
On Wednesday, Geo News reported that several cricketers were stranded in Kampala, Uganda, after sponsors pulled out of a deal with the T20 event in which the players were due to participate.
“We are all safe and happy. Chilling in East Africa,” Ajmal tweeted along with a picture of the entire group, which seemed to be in great spirits.”
Alhumdulilah we are all safe and happy. Chilling in East Africa if any doubt go figure pic.twitter.com/M0GcSvrUHG
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) December 21, 2017
Ajmal is in Uganda as a part of a Pakistani team due to take part in a Twenty20 league which was cancelled just a few matches into the tournament over financial disagreements.
Pakistani bowler Imran Khan, batsman Yasir Hameed and a mix of ex-internationals and active domestic players were promised half their pay in advance of the tournament.
The Pakistani cricketers refused to play any further, as the promise was not upheld even after several matches had taken place following which, the sponsors pulled out of the tournament, leading to the event’s cancellation.
The issue arose when the cricketers on Wednesday attempted to board their return flights, but found that their tickets which had been issued by the league’s agents had been blocked.
PAKISTANI PLAYERS ‘STRANDED’: Several Pakistani cricketers were left stranded in Kampala, Uganda, after sponsors pulled out of a deal with the T20 event in which the players were due to participate, reported Geo News on Wednesday night.
The league, Afro T20 Cup, which was delayed earlier for a few days, was ultimately cancelled after sponsors decided to pull out of the deal.
“It is very frustrating, we are here for so many days and the league is now cancelled,” the outlet quoted a player as saying.
The player confirmed that they didn’t receive any of the committed amounts from the organisers of the league.
“They are saying that money will be paid to us but we haven’t received anything as we speak,” the player added.
He also confirmed that they were finding it difficult to reschedule their flights back home due to the huge variations in ticket prices.
