BBC embarrassed after convicted fraudster poses as cricket expert on TV
Nadeem Alam reportedly posed as Nadeem Abbasi, a former international batsman for Pakistan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC has launched an official inquiry and apologised after it emerged that a convicted fraudster posing as a cricket expert was hired to give expert opinion on TV and radio stations.
Nadeem Alam reportedly posed as Nadeem Abbasi - a former international batsman for Pakistan - and gave 'expert' opinions to the BBC on the team's efforts.
Abbasi, who played three test matches for Pakistan in the late 80s, was said to be "furious" at Huddersfield man Nadeem Alam, who admitted deception in 1995 for posing as a professional sports player to obtain free equipment.
Mr Abbasi, 46, who now coaches a side in Rawalpindi, told The Sun in an exclusive: “If I find Nadeem Alam I will punch him in the face for damaging the country’s reputation.
He added: “My only media work was with Pakistan Television during the 1996 World Cup. The BBC is a big institution and surely they must check?”
Alam’s work includes discussion with former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra on the BBC World Service's Stumped, videos of which have now been removed. And while he claims he is “no longer pretending to be Dadeem Abbasi”, he seemed somewhat unremorseful about his previous work.
“I like to think I have been talking good cricket,” he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments