Mushfiqur Rahim Issues Legal Notice To Ekattor TV Over "Smell Of Spot-Fixing" Report

Bangladesh cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim has filed a complaint against the renowned media company for spreading fake and unfounded news about him. Rahim’s legal notice is a response to Ekattor TV’s spot-fixing report during the Bangladesh-New Zealand Test series.

During the first game, a report titled “Smell of spot-fixing in Mirpur Test! Doubts on senior cricketer!” focused on the dismissal of Rahim for ‘obstructing the field’. The report was broadcast on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of Khelajog on December 6.

Mushfiqur Rahim attempted to catch the ball with his hand, violating cricketing laws that prohibit batters from handling the ball during or after a delivery. The right-handed batter became the first Bangladesh cricketer to be dismissed in that way in international cricket.

Mushfiqur Rahim Mentally Shattered – Shihab Uddin Khan

Reacting to the spot-fixing report aired by Ekattor TV, Rahim’s lawyer, Barrister Shihab Uddin Khan, issued a legal notice to the channel. The lawyer stated that the report contained criminal defamation and cyber-bullying, causing defamation and emotional distress.

“The news report has left Mr. Mushfiqur Rahim mentally shattered, who can hardly believe that a news channel, as reputed and esteemed like Ekattor TV can resort to such a vile instance of yellow journalism without considering its far-reaching purport.”

“It is claimed that the report and its publication in the manner aforesaid, where it has been seen, accessed, and downloaded by countless millions throughout Bangladesh and the rest of the world, has lowered our client in the eyes and estimation of right-thinking people, and therefore constitutes criminal defamation punishable under Section 500 of the Penal Code, 1860 and cyber-bullying contrary to Sections 25(1)(Ka), 25(2) and 29 of the Cyber Security Act, 2023, besides entitling our client to proceed against you for exemplary damages as compensation by instituting civil legal action,” it was stated in the legal notice.

The Legal Notice demands corrective actions, including the immediate removal of the report from all platforms and an unconditional on-air apology on Ekattor TV. The notice argues that the report lacks journalistic ethics and has severe consequences for Rahim’s reputation.

Also read: “Welcome To The Very Exclusive Handled Ball Club Mushfiqur Rahim” – Michael Vaughan