Pakistan pacer, PCB considering legal action following fabricated misconduct allegations

Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza has confirmed that he will take legal action against a local media outlet that aired a news report alleging misconduct with a hotel staff member during the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Mirza, PCB deny the claims

Both Mirza and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have vehemently rejected the claims, describing them as “agenda-driven” and “absurd”.

"An absurd News is circulating on the media, and I strongly condemn this sort of Cheap Journalism. Any Media House can't air any unverified news," said Mirza in a Facebook post.

"[Pakistan Cricket Board] has already denied this Baseless & Fake News and I'm going to take Legal Action.”

PCB demand public apology

The said outlet also alleged that an internal inquiry was prompted following the misconduct. The team management had found the player guilty of violating the code of conduct, imposed a fine, and the team’s media manager had apologised to the staff member on Mirza’s behalf.

The PCB categorically denied the claims and demanded a public apology from the media outlet.

"Agenda-driven fake news targeting the character of our players is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," the PCB's statement read.

"The reporter must publicly apologize without delay; failing which, the PCB will take all necessary steps to ensure such malicious conduct is dealt with firmly and nipped in the bud.”

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