Kamran to consider defamation case

Akmal considered suing the News of the World for including his name in allegations that rocked Pakistan cricket.

KARACHI: Kamran Akmal is considering suing the News of the World (NOTW) for including his name in the fixing allegations that rocked Pakistan cricket.

Akmal was accused and pictured along with the suspended trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif as the newspaper quoted Mazhar Majeed of having links with the wicket-keeper.

Though the investigations are still underway, Akmal was cleared of any charges by the Scotland Yard.

According to an official close to Akmal, the glovesman is contemplating suing NOTW for defamation.

“Kamran is seriously looking into the pros and cons of filing a defamation case against the organisation because he is still very upset by the allegations,” said the official.

“He’s discussed the case with lawyers but the plan has been put on hold due to the ongoing series as Kamran wants to focus on his game.”

PCB to support Akmal’s stance

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) legal counsel has assured that the board will assist Akmal if he files a defamation case against NOTW.

“Kamran is a centrally contracted player and we will definitely assist him if damage has been caused wrongly,” PCB’s legal adviser Tafazzul Rizvi told The Express Tribune. “However, in such cases the accused himself has to file the case. The PCB can only help him but cannot start any proceedings.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14^th, 2010.