PCB shocked at Haleema Rafiq’s death

E-Paper | June 05, 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Women Wing on Wednesday expressed shock and sadness at Haleema Rafiq’s death, reportedly from suicide.

In a press release, the PCB said it shared the grief of the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty may give them the strength and courage to bear this loss.

Haleema, the young cricketer from Multan, was apparently under extreme stress after defamation notice for Rs20 million was served on her by the owner of the Multan Cricket Club, Maulvi Sultan Alam for levelling allegations of sexual harassment against him last year on a private television channel.

Other than five women cricketers, the main respondents in the suit are chief executive of the private TV channel, its anchor and reporter.

The press release further added that the PCB Women Wing had no contact with any of the five girls after it banned them for six months with effect from Oct 23, 2013 following a thorough investigation found that the allegations were false.

Of the five cricketers, Saba Ghafoor and Haleema Rafiq had not appeared before the inquiry committee.

Though the ban had expired on April 22, 2014, none of the five cricketers participated in any PCB event, including the National Championship.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2014

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Sohail Ahmed

Jul 17, 2014 01:12pm

May I ask where the God fearing patron in chief of PCB or Chairman is?? Come on people don't you think this tragedy need a proper investigation by competent authority ??

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Tariq

Jul 17, 2014 03:22pm

Such a tragedy and the culprits go away unscathed? This is only possible in places like Pakistan and India. It is such a shame that the people who matter are hiding behind and nobody including the parent body the PCB has provided any help or assistance to the young cricketers. It is already so difficult for girls/women in Pakistan to come out of their home take up the challenge to pursue their dream and play cricket for their country. However, nobody seems to care for these young kids. Only seventeen years of age and gone. Whoever is at fault should be made answerable. Where is the Amir ul Momineen? Why is he not responding now?? If nobody does anything, we will soon see the demise of women cricket in our country. God bless Pakistan.

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Ahmer

Jul 17, 2014 08:50pm

@Tariq Don't be so quick to judge about Pakistan and India. Does the name Lewinsky ring a bell? That was United States.

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John

Jul 17, 2014 08:53pm

In the struggle for power at PCB who has time to take care of primary duties. It's called 'Pakistan Circus Board', for a reason.

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chishti

Jul 18, 2014 12:39am

Shame on the authorities for banning the girls for six months. This matter must be reopened and cluprit Maulvi must be delth with. In Pakistani culture, why would girls risk their own reputation by coming forward to show the real face of a rapist. Brave girls! RIP Haleema. May Allah peace be upon you!

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Pathseeker

Jul 18, 2014 12:55am

Maulvi Sultan Alam Ansari will get away with this murder. He is a Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) and an influencial lawyer with tons of judges in his pocket. I guess that is why it was easy for him to get the request for 20 million rupees of damages processed against the innocent victim.He also got away with sexual harrasment. It makes one wish for a day of judgement.

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Faiza G. R. Bhatt

Jul 18, 2014 04:53am

national shame!

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