The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a formal statement, declaring that all reports circulated on social media concerning national team players Shaheen Afridi, captain Agha Salman, and a member of the coaching staff are entirely fabricated and unfounded.
Through a post on X, the PCB stated: "The PCB categorically denies the baseless, fabricated, and defamatory allegations currently being circulated on social media pertaining to an alleged incident involving Shaheen Afridi, team captain Salman Ali Agha, and a member of the coaching staff."
"The PCB affirms that no such incident has occurred at any point during training or practice sessions. These malicious rumours are entirely fictitious and appear to have been deliberately concocted with clear malafide intent to sow discord within the national squad," said the statement.
"Such misinformation constitutes a calculated and reprehensible attempt to undermine the cohesion, morale, and reputation of the Pakistan national team. The PCB considers this a serious and premeditated defamation campaign, which is aimed at damaging the professional integrity of the individuals targeted and the collective environment of the squad," the PCB added.
"Accordingly, the PCB will be initiating stringent legal proceedings, including but not limited to defamation and cybercrime charges, against the individuals and/or entities responsible for originating and disseminating this false narrative. Any persons found complicit in propagating these claims will be held fully accountable under applicable laws," added the statement.
The PCB said, "The Board strongly advises the general public, media representatives, and digital platforms to refrain from engaging with, endorsing, or amplifying unverified and irresponsible content. The PCB remains committed to protecting its players, staff, and the sanctity of the national team from unwarranted and harmful speculation."
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