The Pakistani Taliban are urging the country's media to show more national pride and support cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
A spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Shahidullah Shahid, appeared in a video published online at the weekend alongside two masked armed men.
He said Misbah should be supported even though he is a "pathetic player," because he is "ultimately a Pakistani."
Misbah regularly comes under fire for his conservative tactics as captain and unaggressive batting style.
The TTP spokesman also warned the media to stop praising Indian cricket hero Sachin Tendulkar, who retired on November 16 after a glittering 24-year career.
On November 28, Shahid confirmed the authenticity of the video to the AFP news agency by telephone.
A spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Shahidullah Shahid, appeared in a video published online at the weekend alongside two masked armed men.
He said Misbah should be supported even though he is a "pathetic player," because he is "ultimately a Pakistani."
Misbah regularly comes under fire for his conservative tactics as captain and unaggressive batting style.
The TTP spokesman also warned the media to stop praising Indian cricket hero Sachin Tendulkar, who retired on November 16 after a glittering 24-year career.
On November 28, Shahid confirmed the authenticity of the video to the AFP news agency by telephone.