Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressing his views in an ICC video. — Screengrab ICC//File
KARACHI: The extended dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former captain Rashid Latif was resolved on Saturday after the ex-skipper “unconditionally” retracted his earlier statements in regards to the board.
The disagreement started when Latif prompt that Mohammad Rizwan’s elimination because the ODI captain was related to the wicketkeeper’s public assist for Palestine. His feedback led the PCB to file a grievance with the Nationwide Cyber Crime Investigation Company (NCCIA).
Latif, because of this, was summoned to look earlier than an investigation officer at NCCIA’s Lahore workplace on November 17.
The previous wicketkeeper batter later moved the Islamabad Excessive Court docket towards the inquiry, labelling it as illegal.
Latif wrote an in depth public apology on X, stating that his feedback weren’t supposed to allege any participant, board member, or stakeholder concerned in wrongdoing.
“I write with reference to my recent comments made on social media and in interviews concerning surrogate advertising. My principal contention was related to potential violations of the advisories upon such advertising issued by the Government of Pakistan,” Latif wrote.
“At no point, whether inadvertently or deliberately, have I ever sought or intended to implicate any individual, including players, board members, or other stakeholders in wrongdoing,” he added.
Latif additional acknowledged that he made an “unwarranted reference” to Rizwan’s assist for Palestine as a possible purpose behind his elimination as Pakistan’s ODI captain, additional admitting that his assumptions weren’t supported by any credible proof.
“However, notwithstanding my intention to refrain from political commentary or unverified speculation, I acknowledge that I made an unwarranted reference to Mohammad Rizwan’s public support for Palestine as a potential factor in his removal from captaincy. Upon further reflection, I recognise that this assumption was inappropriate, unfounded, and not supported by any credible evidence.”
Latif concluded by apologising to most of the people, particularly PCB, and vowed that his public commentary on cricketing affairs can be measured and evidence-based as he described himself because the “advocate” of accountable broadcasting and research-based journalism.
“I deeply regret any distress or offence that my comments may have caused to the general public, or more specifically, to the Pakistan Cricket Board and its officials. I offer my sincere apologies for any unintended harm arising from my remarks, which I withdraw unconditionally and affirm that no such harm was ever intended,” Latif said.
“I am an advocate of responsible broadcasting, research-based journalism, and objective analysis. Having had the honour of serving as captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, I hold the reputation and dignity of the country in the highest regard and would never intentionally act in a manner that could bring disrepute upon it. I endeavour to participate in public discourse in a manner that is fair, balanced, and constructive.”
In response to his public apology, former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi got here to his defence, however deleted the put up after Mohsin Naqvi termed his feedback “completely misplaced, ill-timed and factually incorrect”.
“[Najam Sethi], your comments are completely misplaced, ill-timed, and factually incorrect,” wrote Naqvi on X, accompanied by Sethi’s now-deleted tweet.
The present PCB chairman additional emphasised that the cricket board’s motion towards Latif was not about silencing its criticism however as a substitute about “addressing” the unfold of false and defamatory claims.
“The PCB’s action against Rashid Latif was never about silencing criticism, it was about addressing the deliberate spread of false and defamatory allegations. Our proceedings have remained fully within the law and focused solely on protecting the integrity of Pakistan cricket and its players,” Naqvi defined.
He additionally said that the PCB welcomed Latif’s apology, reiterating that the board members are dedicated to “protecting” Pakistan cricket and its belongings.
“Rashid Latif has apologised in his tweet today, clearly affirming the Board’s stance. We welcome his apology and offer a clean slate,” Naqvi said.
“We do not use any other means to silence those who criticise the Board. We protect Pakistan cricket and its assets.”
