Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza accused of Misconduct to Woman Staff threatens Legal Action against Media

A damaging rumour has rocked Pakistan cricket just days after their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 exit, with unverified reports accusing a national team player of inappropriate conduct toward a female hotel worker in Kandy.

Left-arm quick Salman Mirza, who featured prominently in Pakistan's bowling attack during the tournament, has vehemently refuted the story, vowing to sue the journalist and outlet behind it.

The whispers emerged from ARY News, pinpointing an incident at the Golden Crown Hotel between February 25 and 28. That's when Pakistan was basing in Pallekele for matches, including their do-or-die Super 8 fixture against Sri Lanka on March 1. Sources alleged the player crossed lines with housekeeping staff, prompting team manager Naveed Cheema to step in with an apology and impose a fine following an internal probe.

Salman Mirza threatens Legal Action

Salman Mirza wasted no time firing back on social media, branding the coverage as fiction cooked up by reckless reporting.

"An absurd news is circulating on media and I strongly condemn this sort of Cheap Journalism. Any Media House can't air any unverified news," he posted, signaling his intent to pursue defamation charges.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly backed their man, slamming the story as fabricated and threatening countermeasures.

In an official release, they stated: "PCB has taken serious notice of baseless and fake news aired by ARY News regarding a Pakistani left-arm fast bowler. PCB strongly condemns the broadcast of such unverified and misleading information and views this act as malicious and irresponsible. PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action against those involved in spreading false news."

This flare-up comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan cricket, still stinging from their early World Cup knockout and under the microscope for off-field discipline. After the exit, the PCB has also appointed two new selectors in Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, while the latter shall also serve as their red ball head coach.