Wasim relieved after court dismissal

Najmul Abbas, a Pakistani who sought a court order to stop Wasim Akram from coaching India's bowlers, has been reprimanded and fined by a judge at Lahore.

Abbas put forward his case last September after Wasim was reported to be teaming up with India. However, it was today dismissed by Anwar Gondal, a civil judge. He said, "Wasim has been a national hero and unnecessary harassment has been caused to him."

Chowdhry Fawad Hussain, Wasim's lawyer, said Abbas's fine of 15,000 rupees (£144) would be going to the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Research hospital, which is run by Imran Khan. Fawad said, "The case was frivolous and a publicity stunt against Wasim, and we are delighted that it is dismissed."

Wasim, who retired last May last year, was also happy with the outcome. "I am delighted because publicity mongers have caused disturbance not only for me, but for the court, and such cases should not be accepted in future," he said. "I can never think of passing any secrets but if a young bowler comes to seek advice, I will help him, irrespective of his nationality."

In the end, the Indian board hired Bruce Reid, the former Australia Test bowler, as their bowling coach last November. However, Wasim has been helping India's attack on their current tour of Australia, and he was forced to defend his position last week when Javed Miandad, the coach, accused him of passing on his secrets.

Wasim's association with India has also prompted the Pakistani media to question his loyalty ahead of the proposed series between Pakistan and India this March. But Wasim hit back by saying, "I have not modified their actions or anything like that. Nor have I handed them any secret weapons."