Former Indian Home Ministry official RVS Mani has made a sensational claim about alleged drug trafficking involving former Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.
Mani, who served as Under Secretary in the Internal Security Division of the Home Ministry from 2006 to 2010, claimed that Pakistan national cricket teams and other unofficial delegations were allegedly involved in bringing drugs into India during their visits.
Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif named in alleged drug case
RVS Mani claimed that Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were once deported by the Pakistani High Commission after they allegedly admitted that they were carrying drugs for personal consumption. He further claimed that the incident was part of a much larger operation.
Mani further revealed that during his tenure in the Home Ministry, Pakistan cricket teams touring India were used to smuggle drugs into the country. He claimed that intelligence agencies reported that it involved extensive networks operating through various Pakistani delegations. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi is set to play in the LPL during Pakistan’s Test season.
RVS Mani told senior journalist Smita Prakash on ANI podcast, “A case had come to light involving former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, who were allegedly deported by the Pakistani High Commission after admitting that they were carrying drugs, claiming it was for personal consumption. In my view, this was only a cover, and Pakistani cricket teams and other delegations visiting India are involved in drug trafficking. Were.”
RVS Mani makes shocking claims on the mysterious death of Bob Woolmer
The former official also claimed that the mysterious death of former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer in 2007 was linked to a drug trafficking incident in which Shahid Afridi, Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, among others, were involved. However, the Indian government was aware of this but could not do anything due to lack of sufficient evidence.
He further added, “I believe this was not an isolated incident. Months later, Pakistan’s English coach Bob Woolmer, who had opposed this drug trafficking by the Pakistanis, was killed under suspicious circumstances. All these incidents must be linked.”
Former officer raised questions on Pakistan Dossier
Mani claimed that during his tenure intelligence reports linked the illegal drug trade to terror funding and claimed that security agencies have repeatedly expressed concerns about visiting Pakistani delegations. He revealed that despite repeated warnings, no immediate action was taken at that time.
The former Home Ministry official shared, “During my tenure, intelligence assessments showed that about 30% of funding for terrorist attacks in India came through the drug trade. We believed that Pakistan had an official policy of sending drugs to India, and high opium production in Jalalabad often raised concerns about an increase in terrorist activities.
Mani also revealed that he was also part of the team that prepared detailed documents on Pakistan. Those dossiers were later altered by the CBI and factual mistakes weakened India’s position by affecting the credibility of the evidence.
Big Revelation: Pakistani cricketers, delegation members and players like Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif used to smuggle drugs into India on every tour.
In one reported case, they panicked and self-confessed. His coach Bob Woolmer, who told him about trafficking, has died… pic.twitter.com/9NAnR4dIkj
— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) July 14, 2026
However, the current Indian government has banned bilateral cricket ties since 2012–13, making it clear that national teams will only play Pakistan in multi-national events.