PCB threatens legal action

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday threatened to take legal action against Australian newspapers for carrying "unsubstantiated" reports that a member of the Pakistan team had been accused of raping a young woman in Melbourne.

"If an uncorroborated or sensational report is received against the team and individual, defamatory action can be taken. If any more reports of this nature are published we are ready to take legal action," he told Geo TV.

Australian newspapers on Friday reported that a woman had alleged rape by a Pakistani cricketer in a Melbourne hotel but had not made a formal complaint.

Reacting angrily to a speculation in a section of Australian press, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said the recall of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar had nothing to do with the scandal.

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Akhtar was being recalled to help him to get rid of his injuries and to keep him fit for the forthcoming Indian tour and not because of the allegation figuring in Australian tabloid press, he said.

Asked to comment on a photograph published in some Aussie newspapers showing Akhtar at a nightclub, the PCB chief said the fast bowler had already denied visiting any nightclub.

"We inquired with the team and asked Shoaib himself. Shoaib has denied going to any restaurant. We have received his denial. We will ask him again and ask him to answer to all the allegations when he comes back," he said.