Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar, in a bid to restore his battered pride and dented reputation, has threatened to sue a leading Asian satellite sports channel for derogatory remarks on him in its show.
The host of ESPN-Star's Monday bulletin, talking about Shoaib joining the camp, used a Hindi phrase that annoyed the temperamental fast bowler, who has taken up the case with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The phrase compared Akhtar with a dog's tail that never straightens. It was in reference to the bowler's indiscipline and lack of commitment.
"I have brought the issue to the notice of PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan who has assured me that the cricket board would fight my case.
"I demand an unconditional apology from the channel and if they don't, then I will be left with no other option but to file a case of defamation in the Indian court," Akhtar said in a brief statement.
Akhtar, along with Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq, met Shaharyar Khan on Tuesday morning and showed him footage of the programme.
"We will not allow any sports channel to use derogatory remarks against any Pakistan cricketer. The expressions or words used have hurt the feelings of not only the player but the cricket Board and the player's supporters.
"We will write to the sports channel to express our annoyance and will demand an unconditional apology. In case it doesn't come, we will take a legal course," a spokesman of the PCB said.
