Ehsan Qureshi, a correspondent with the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, said the British broadcaster used footage of him talking to Woolmer in a defamatory manner.

The segment, part of a Panaroma programme called "Death at the World Cup," showed Qureshi in conversation with Woolmer at a social event during the two days before the coach died.

In a legal notice served to the BBC, his lawyers said the programme "gave an impression as if me and the other gentleman accompanying him were the suspects or had anything to do with the death of Bob Woolmer."

Woolmer was found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica the morning after Pakistan crashed out of the tournament. Police believe he was murdered.