Pakistan Fast Bowler Sends Rs. 100 Million Defamation Notice Over False Allegations

Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza has sent a legal notice seeking Rs. 100 million in damages to ARY News and its reporter Shahid Hashmi over a report that alleged misconduct by the cricketer during the 2026 T20 World Cup.

According to a copy of the notice, Mirza’s legal team described the report as false, malicious, and highly defamatory, saying it caused serious damage to the player’s personal and professional reputation.

Legal Notice has been sent to #ShahidHashmi and #Arynews for making False Allegations & spreading unethical news! pic.twitter.com/r28g0bjI24

— Salman Mirza (@SalmanMirza760) March 12, 2026

The report claimed that Mirza misbehaved with a female staff member at the team hotel in Kandy and that the incident led the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to impose a fine on the cricketer.

Mirza’s lawyers rejected these claims and demanded immediate corrective action from the television channel and the reporter.

The legal notice directs ARY News to remove the report from all platforms, including its website and social media accounts. It also demands that Shahid Hashmi withdraw the statement and the story attributed to him.

In addition, the notice calls on the channel to publish a clear and unconditional public apology addressed to Salman Mirza, the Pakistan Cricket Board, and the public. The apology, according to the notice, must be published in a manner comparable to the original report.

Mirza is also seeking financial compensation of Rs. 100 million as damages for the alleged harm caused to his reputation and goodwill.

The notice states that legal proceedings will begin if the demands are not met within seven days.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board strongly rejected the allegations and described the reports as false and agenda-driven. The board warned that it would pursue legal action if the journalist involved did not issue a public apology.

The report had initially appeared in the Indian press before being carried by ARY News. After the PCB released its statement rejecting the claims, the report was removed from the outlet’s website and social media platforms.

ARY News has not yet issued a public response to the legal notice.