London Company Threatens To Seize Pak Cricket Players Assets During UK Tour For Unpaid Pak Govt Dues

The state of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) owed the company 33 million dollars in damages after losing a case and appeal in the London High Court.

Photo: AFP

The visiting Pakistan team in England could well be left without their cricket kit, mobiles or luggage and face an embarrassing position, all because of their government's inactions. In a first of its type action to seize property, London based company Broadsheet LLC has threatened to take away assets and property of the visiting Pakistan cricket team because of unpaid dues and legal fees in a London court by the Pakistan government. According to a report published in Pakistan daily, The News, the London based company has written to the government and informed that their action will begin in two days time unless they respond. The state of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) owed the company 33 million dollars in damages after losing a case and appeal in the London High Court. Broadsheet LLC. was hired by the NAB during former President Pervez Musharraf to investigate hidden assets of over 150 Pakistanis abroad including the Nawaz Sharif family and was terminated midway after regime change in 2003. In a letter sent to Islamabad's counsel, Allen & Overy, the company has written that "The Pakistan cricket team is currently in the UK preparing for a Test series against England. We consider that the team is, by the very nature, an asset of the defendant and that monies due to the team and assets of the team are assets of the defendant to the litigation." It further asks Pakistan's counsel that if they disagree with the position then they should respond soon or otherwise the company will enforce the warning, leaving the Pakistan team in yet another embarrassing position. ALSO WATCH | Punjab: Sportsmen taking online training under 'Mission Fateh'