Former Test cricketer to take legal action against board

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sacked its director Salim Altaf for leaking official and confidential papers to his ‘close journalists’. A spokesman for the PCB confirmed to Daily Times on Thursday that Salim, who was the head of a committee overseeing the 2011 World Cup to be hosted in the subcontinent, had been relieved of his official assignments. “Salim’s contract with the PCB was expiring next month and his services were no longer needed. That is why he has been relieved of his duties,” PCB director media Mansoor Suhail said. “It has nothing to do with the leaking of any official information to media,” he responded to a question. But Salim, a former Test cricketer, told Daily Times that he was sacked after a national English newspaper published an email sent by PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf to team manager Talat Ali, expressing his displeasure with the performance and commitment of the players and officials in the ongoing tri-nation series in Bangladesh. Pakistan suffered a humiliating 140-run defeat to India and their 12-match winning streak was brought to a shuddering halt on Tuesday, although 11 of those victories were against minnows Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Salim, who has played 21 Tests for Pakistan in 1970s as medium fast bowler, was director of cricket operations during the tenure of former PCB chief Shahryar Mohammad Khan but was demoted to director special projects after Nasim took charge in late 2006. “I have worked to the best of sincerity and honesty but today the PCB chairman called me to his office and accused me of leaking news to media. He gave me the option of resigning or else said that he will sack me.” Salim said he was considering legal action against the board. “The act of the chairman is unlawful. I am seeking legal advice about this and will act accordingly,” he stated. Salim said the board officials were lying about his appointment. “I have a different contract with the PCB and there is no time frame in it.” He said the board was tapping his conversations with several journalists. “They invaded my privacy. I am a former Pakistan player who has remained selector, manager and administrator. I came to serve Pakistan cricket. This is how they treat me.” Sources told Daily Times that since Nasim’s appointment as cricket chief, Salim was ‘doing his best’ to dislodge the chairman through his ‘journalist friends’. “He never liked Nasim because Salim was an important figure before arrival of Nasim. But Nasim sidelined him.” Sources said the conversations Salim had had with several journalists over a period of time were recorded, transcripts of which were read out to him. “There was also an exchange of hot words between Salim and Nasim over the issue. Nasim told Salim that he was behind the leakage of important and other sensitive information and the board was not happy with the situation that caused it lot of embarrassment in recent times. “Salim was given a choice to either resign or be sacked. Salim refused to resign and asked to be charge-sheeted for the allegations.” It is pertinent to mention that chief patron President Pervez Musharraf directly appointed Salim in the board. By Ms.Bobby Aanand, Metropolitan Jury.

"Loved reading this piece by Ms. Bobby Anand?
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"

Join our Telegram group

Join our Whatsapp group