Imposter tricks BBC, poses as former Pakistan cricketer Nadeem Abbasi

A man claiming to be former Pakistan cricketer Nadeem Abbasi has been giving ‘expert’ opinions to the BBC.

The fake cricketer (left) and the real man (right). Images: BBC/Screengrab. Pakistani Cricket Board.

Nadeem Alam, 46, has appeared on the corporation’s World Service, Asian Network and Radio Five Live as an expert pundit.

He has been paid for the appearances, despite only having ever playing for his hometown team of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire.

Abbasi’s Wikipedia page had also been changed and read: “Abbasi is now a freelance journalist and appears regularly on the BBC Asian Network and Radio Five Live.”

According to the Sun, Abbasi, who played three Test matches for Pakistan, said he will punch Alam ‘in the face’ if the pair ever meet.

He said: “If I find Nadeem Alam I will punch him in the face for damaging the country’s reputation.”

Alam defended his knowledge of cricket, but says he will no longer continue to pretend to be Abbasi.

He said: “I like to think I have been talking good cricket. But I am no longer pretending to be Nadeem Abbasi.”

The BBC has apologised and has launched an inquiry.

A spokesperson said: “We apologise to the real Mr Abbasi and we will be looking seriously into what has happened.”