Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign in the USA has expectedly triggered a backlash against the players, who are being criticized for taking their families along, even as their beleaguered cricket board mulled invoking a new defamation law to tackle "unsubstantiated claims and reports". According to a local media report, apart from the nearly 34 players, support staff, and officials who were part of the national squad in the USA, the team hotel was teeming with around 26 to 28 family members of the players. 

These included their wives, children, parents, and even siblings in some cases. 

Pakistan was eliminated after losing to India and debutants USA in their group league stage matches held in New York.

The report said players like Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Amir were among those who had family members traveling with them.

Babar, who is unmarried, had his father, mother, and brothers staying in the team hotel.

"The additional expenses, incurred on having families is obviously paid by players but having family members around does hit the players' focus," another report said.

"Some 60 rooms were booked where the team stayed to accommodate the others traveling with the team. The environment was a family one with takeaway dinners and outings being the norm for some players," one report said.

Former Test wicketkeeper, Atiq uz Zaman said he could understand the players' need to have their families with them on low-profile or bilateral tours.

But for a major event like the World Cup, the PCB should not have allowed such a gathering.