Cricket: Wasim in hot water over drink

A civil court in Lahore yesterday summoned former Pakistani cricket great Wasim Akram on charges he damaged Muslim sentiment by posing with other players in a liquor advertisement.

Judge Asma Tehsin said Wasim should appear in person before the court next month to respond to the allegations.

Wasim, 37, the world's top wicket-taker in the one-day version of the game, retired from international cricket in May.

The petition, which was filed by civilian Mohammad Fayyaz last year, demands a public apology from Wasim and damages of 25,000 rupees (about $706).

"Liquor is banned in Islam and Wasim as a celebrated person has hurt Islam's religious sentiments," Fayyaz' lawyer Ansar Mahmood Bajwa said.