Legendary Pakistani cricketer-turned-commentator Wasim Akram slammed the Indian media for using his picture for a similarly named spy who was arrested in the neighbouring country.

Taking to social media, the 59-year-old shared his video statement, criticised Indian media for using his picture without verification, and schooled social media users for assuming things without verifying them.

In the video, he can be heard saying, "Aik general muft advice he meri sub k liye jo me umooman deta nahi hun kiun k sub-continent me her koi advice dene ko Tayyar betha hota hya (I have one piece of advice for everyone in the subcontinent, which I usually don’t give, because here everyone is always ready to give advice)."

While referring to Indian media, he said, “Ager ap log itne hi derrh hosyar hain to thorra double check krlia karain, hamsaya mulk me koi Wasim akram naami spy pakkra gya to news channel ne photo meri lagadi, (If you are so smart, then double-check things. In India, someone named Wasim Akram was caught as a spy, and the news channel aired my picture).”

Criticising irresponsible journalism, the former cricketer said, “Kon log ho tussi...Kithon aye ho, Koi check nahi koi balance nahi, or us pr comment pe comment ye realise kiy bagher k wo mera account hi nahi hay (what kind of people are you, where do you come from, there is no check and balance. Comments started bombarding me without even realising that it wasn’t my account).”

According to reports on October 2, a YouTuber named Wasim Akram was arrested in Haryana for allegedly spying for Pakistan.

Police claimed the person had been in contact with Pakistani agents for three years and was allegedly helping them obtain SIM cards.