Information ministry refutes claims of army officer’s death during Pakistan‑Sri Lanka cricket match

Islamabad – The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Fact Check team on Monday dismissed social‑media reports that a Pakistan Army officer died during the Pakistan‑Sri Lanka cricket game at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The ministry clarified that the person who died was a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) employee, not a serving army officer, and he was not at the stadium when the match was underway.

The circulating post claimed that 50‑year‑old Muhammad Farooq, son of Muhammad Azam, suffered a heart attack and collapsed during the match, was taken to a hospital by Rescue 1122 and later died. In a statement posted on X, the ministry said the deceased had suffered an electric shock, after which his family called Rescue 1122 and he was transported to a local hospital.

Hospital records, the ministry added, listed electrocution as the cause of death. An investigation will follow the standard procedures. The ministry emphasized that linking the incident to the cricket match was misleading, noting that the victim’s employment with the PCB did not create any connection to the game.

The ministry urged the public to verify information before sharing it online and shared a report from New Town Police Station related to the case.