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Saleem Malik faces backlash after slanderous remarks against Rashid Latif

Journalists came out in support of former wicketkeeper

Saleem Malik faces backlash after slanderous remarks against Rashid Latif PHOTO: AFP

Tainted ex-cricketer Saleem Malik is facing backlash from the various quarters after making slanderous remarks against former wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif.

While speaking in a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday, Malik claimed that Latif made use of his political influence in the past to threaten players and journalists.

“Latif would use Altaf Hussain and MQM’s names as threat and told everyone that their corpse would be found in a sack. He even threatens journalists if they say anything against him,” said Malik.

“The real corrupt person was Rashid, who just for captaincy sacrificed the entire Pakistan team,” he added.

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It must be noted that Latif was the whistle blower in the 90’s match-fixing saga, which ultimately led to the Justice Malik Qayyum inquiry, which banned Malik for life. The former cricketer was later cleared in the court, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked Malik to respond to the ICC transcripts allegedly made in 2000 in London, before clearing him of any wrong doing.

The latest comments by Malik didn’t go down well with the Journalists and they come out in support of Latif.

Have known @iRashidLatif68 since last 25yrs. He could have played 80-100 test matches if he hadn’t waged war against match fixing& players like Salim Malik. Hurling allegations against him is a shameful act. He enjoys great reputation as a man of integrity in Pakistan cricket.

— Owais Tohid (@OwaisTohid) August 19, 2020

I have known Rashid Latif for 29 years. I have found him to be an honest, high on integrity, affectionate, large hearted, and a peace loving man. Recent aspersions cast with reference to him threatening players is evidently superfluous without any connect with reality. A gem.

— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) August 19, 2020

We all endorse this Doc... Rashid is a real gem who sacrificed his career in the fight against fixing... was a true team-man.. once gave his Test place to Moin who was in better form on 1996 England tour ..above board ! https://t.co/RSABnAI53h

— Shahid Hashmi (@hashmi_shahid) August 19, 2020

The two ex players trying to malign Rashid Latif, are Salim Malik and Ata Ur Rehman...don’t really need to say much except one has never sold out his country- two of these have, the question is..why now?

— AmerCric (@Amermalik12) August 19, 2020

Yes. Like OT, i know Rashid since long and always found him a clean and man of integrity. https://t.co/aCpr5TFv4X

— Mazhar Abbas (@MazharAbbasGEO) August 19, 2020

My take on the current matter thats going on. @iRashidLatif68 bhai is a very credible & experience legend of Pakistan cricket and brought laurels to the country. These matters should be resolved amicably between these two.
If anyone has an issue, they should seek legal remedy. pic.twitter.com/p8TWlcBK5G

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 20, 2020