KARACHI, July 23: Pakistan’s former cricket great Wasim Akram has denied allegations he appeared in an Indian liquor advertisement, a day after a court summoned him to explain his position over a private petition.

“The news that a petition is filed against me in a Pakistan court surprised me because I never featured in a liquor advertisement and can never imagine to break religious laws,” Wasim told AFP, speaking by telephone from Manchester, England.

The 37-year-old, who retired in May after an illustrious career spanning 19 years, was summoned by a Lahore court to appear in September to face charges he hurt Muslim sentiments by appearing in a liquor advertisement.

The petition, filed by a Pakistani citizen, Mohammad Fayyaz, last year, demands a public apology from Wasim and damages of 25,000 rupees (around US$400).

“I think it’s a publicity stunt which is very common in Pakistan and I am used to it,” said Wasim.

The petitioner’s lawyer Ansar Mahmood Bajwa denied it’s a publicity stunt and said it’s was a matter of principle.

“I have all the documentary proof to substantiate that I modelled for cricket gears for an Indian company which has other businesses as well,” said Wasim.

Wasim is one of eight international players — including India’s Harbhajan Singh, Australia’s Glenn McGrath, Jonty Rhodes of South Africa, Mervyn Dillon of West Indies, Stephen Fleming of New Zealand, Marvan Atapattu of Sri Lanka and Andy Flower of Zimbabwe — who have modelled for an Indian company.—AFP