The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has come under scrutiny for featuring sponsorships from companies like DafaNews, 1xBAT, and Wolf777News, which are reportedly affiliated with offshore betting platforms. These entities often present themselves as sports news outlets, a practice known as surrogate advertising, to circumvent Pakistan’s strict anti-gambling laws.
DafaNews, for instance, is linked to Dafabet, a well-known betting company. Similarly, 1xBAT is associated with 1xBet, and Wolf777News is connected to Wolf777, an online casino. These brands have been prominently displayed on team jerseys and stadium advertisements during PSL matches. 
The involvement of such sponsors has raised concerns among officials and the public. The Peshawar High Court has directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to cease sponsorship deals with betting companies. Additionally, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination has urged the PCB to terminate contracts with surrogate firms and advised the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to block related websites and applications.
Despite these directives, the presence of surrogate betting advertisements in PSL continues, leading to debates about the normalization of digital gambling in Pakistan. Critics argue that such sponsorships not only contravene legal and religious norms but also risk promoting gambling among the youth.
As the PSL grows in popularity, the challenge remains for authorities to enforce regulations effectively and uphold the integrity of sports in the country.
