Lahore, Mar 09: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has been fined by a court here for hurting religious sentiments by modelling in an Indian liquor advertisement. ''Judge Musheer Rao gave ex-parte decision against Wasim as he did not appear before the court despite being summoned through newspaper advertisement,'' a court official told reporters.

The record breaking bowler was summoned in September following a petition, filed by civilian Mohammad Fayaz, demanded a public apology from Akram and payment damages to Rs 25,000. Court officials said the judge accepted the plea and ordered Akram to pay damages and apologise.

The 37-year-old player-turned-commentator is one of the eight international players who modelled for the Indian company, Royal Stag. Other players who featured in the advertisement include India's Harbhajan Singh, Australia's Glen Mcgrath, Jonty Rhodes of South Africa, Mervyn Dillon of the West Indies, Stephen Fleming of New Zealand, Marvan Atapattu of Sri Lanka and Andy Flower of Zimbabwe. Akram, however, has denied the accusations, saying he worked for an Indian company which also manufactured sports equipments.

Bureau Report