Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has finally reacted to Test spinner Yasir Shah’s ugly controversy, which has left the cricket fraternity in shock. Yasir Shah was recently accused of aiding an alleged rapist. He was named in an FIR by a 14-year-old girl for allegedly harassing her and abetting her rape.
Addressing a press conference, Yasir Shah said that such controversies are ‘not good’ for the game in the country, especially given the positive environment of the team because of the amazing results of their hard work. He said:
“It is a no-brainer, Yasir is a circuit player and while we train and educate these players, they are in ambassadorial positions and should know with whom and where to socialize.”
He added:
“I don’t know what is the truth in this case but it is a fact that such headlines are not good for Pakistan cricket and especially at a time when there is a feel-good factor going through Pakistan cricket now.”
Further, Ramiz Raja went on to give a stern reminder to all the players in the country by warning them. He reminded the players of their responsibilities towards Pakistan cricket and the game. He said:
“It is a no-brainer that they must know with whom or when to socialize. I want these players to be earning well but they also have responsibilities towards Pakistan cricket and the sport.”
For the unversed, according to the FIR, Yasir Shah’s friend, who is identified as Farhan, allegedly raped and filmed the girl at gunpoint.
“When I approached Yasir on WhatsApp and told him about the incident, he made fun of me and said that he likes underage girls,” the complainant alleged in the FIR.
The complainant added:
“Yasir Shah said that he was a very influential person and that he knew a high-ranking official […] Yasir Shah and Farhan make videos and rape underage girls,” she alleged.
The complainant also revealed that when she approached the police, Yasir offered to bear her expenses and a flat when she informed the police about the incident. She revealed: “the national cricketer proposed to buy me a flat and bear my expenses for the next 18 years”.