LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency has summoned former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Friday in connection with the ‘cyber stalking’ charges against him leveled by Pakistan Cricket Board’s legal advisor Taffazul Rizvi.

An official told Dawn on Wednesday that the FIA cybercrime wing had called Shoaib on the complaint of Taffazul regarding cyberstalking.

“After verifying the complaint the FIA summoned Shoaib on Friday to record his statement in this regard,” he said.

Earlier, Taffazul had sent a defamation notice of Rs 100 million to Shoaib for using “inappropriate and derogatory” language against him in a video clip.

Shoaib, who has often been involved in controversial incidents during the past as well due to his aggressive style, had criticised Taffazul Rizvi in his YouTube channel, pointing out the flaws of the PCB’s legal department. He alleged that Taffazul had always been interested in taking high profile cricketers of the country to court to earn a name for himself.

The maverick pacer had also criticized the PCB, alleging that it has failed to curb the menace of match-fixing by allowing the tainted players to come back to cricket set up after serving their punishments.

PCB’s legal advisor, Taffazul Rizvi, in his own discretion, then initiated defamation and criminal proceedings against Shoaib.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2020