Azhar Mahmood to take legal action over 'false, unacceptable' allegations

Following the Pakistan team's exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, the national side's Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood has said that he will be taking legal action against those hurling false allegations against him and his family on various media platforms.

"I will be pursuing legal advice against those responsible for making these false allegations towards me and my family," Mahmood wrote in a post on his X account and acknowledged that he is aware of the false allegations and narratives that are being peddled on social media platforms.

His statement come as allegations have been circulating on social media and other media platforms claiming that the families of players and the team's coaching staff travelled to the United States for the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) expense.

Categorically denying such allegations and terming them "entirely baseless and false", Mahmood stressed that the culture of falsely accusing and misleading people to believe a false narrative is dangerous.

"Speaking without evidence and misconstruing facts is a criminal offence and those engaged in such behaviour will be dealt with legal action," the ex-cricketer said.

Stressing that pursuing an increase in followers and media attention via spreading falsehood was unacceptable, he requested people to avoid engaging and entertaining these "harmful" narratives as it was essential to put an end to such behaviour in the media culture.

Earlier, Geo News reported that Pakistan captain Babar Azam could take legal action against YouTubers and former players who accused him of misconduct during the T20 World Cup.

Following Pakistan's early exit from the competition, criticism mounted against Babar and the team's performance.

Sources indicate a social media campaign targeted Babar during the tournament, prompting him to feel disheartened by the allegations.

Babar is reportedly considering sending legal notices to the individuals involved and has begun consultations with legal experts.

Furthermore, the PCB's legal department is said to be gathering evidence related to the statements made against Babar by YouTubers and former players.

The Men in Green, along with the team management, have been under scrutiny by fans and former players following the national side's poor performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 wherein they failed to proceed to the Super Eight stage and were eliminated from the mega tournament.