Cricket World Cup: Convicted fraudster poses as former Pakistan player, features as expert on TV

New Delhi: A convicted fraudster posed as former Pakistan cricketer Nadeem Abbasi and provided expert analysis of the ongoing Cricket World Cup for a leading British television channel, according to reports.

Nadeem Alam from Huddersfield, who was convicted in 1995 for posing as a professional sports player to obtain free equipment, was hired by the channel to analyse Pakistan's performance in the tournament. He even held discussion with renown Indian cricket commentator Aakash Chopra in the channel's world service.

Abbasi, who felt victimised by the turn of events, in an exclusive interview with The Sun said that he will punch the impersonator for damaging the reputation of Pakistan.

“If I find Nadeem Alam I will punch him in the face for damaging the country’s reputation.”

The 46-year-old also said that he only media work was with Pakistan TV during the 1996 edition of the quadrennial event.

“My only media work was with Pakistan Television during the 1996 World Cup.”

Abassi played three Test matches for Pakistan in the late 80s.

Pakistan will play Ireland in a do-or-die match against minnows Ireland. They have lost to India and the West Indies, but kept their World Cup hopes by winning against South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates.