Television host and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Dr Nauman Niaz has served a defamation notice of Rs1 billion to former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar.
The notice follows a televised statement made by the former Pakistani pacer during an appearance on a TV programme on May 25.
During the broadcast segment titled The Dug Out, Shoaib stated that Dr Nauman “used to carry our bags” and that “he was kept for that purpose.” The remark was circulated on social media and received widespread attention.
A legal notice, dated May 29, was issued by Dr Nauman’s legal counsel. The document states that the comment was factually incorrect, and that it was intended to harm Dr Nauman’s professional standing.
The notice demands a public apology and formal retraction within 14 days, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated under the Defamation Ordinance 2002.
Dr Nauman has previously held positions within the Pakistan Cricket Board, and has written articles for various national and international publications.
The notice states that the comment by Shoaib reduced his professional history to a claim unsupported by evidence.
The statement is described in the legal document as part of a broader pattern of conduct that Dr Nauman alleges has continued for the past three years.
Shoaib has not issued a response to the notice as of the date of reporting.
A previous incident involving Shoaib and Dr Nauman occurred in October 2021, during a live broadcast of PTV (Pakistan Television Corporation) Sports’ programme.
The panel also featured international cricket personalities including Sir Vivian Richards, David Gower, Sana Mir, and Umar Gul, and was focused on Pakistan’s five-wicket win against New Zealand in a T20 World Cup match.
READ MORE: Niaz, Akhtar taken off air after on-screen spat
During the discussion, Shoaib credited the Pakistan Super League’s Lahore Qalandars franchise for discovering fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Dr Nauman interrupted the exchange, stating on air that Shoaib was “being a little rude” and added, “If you’re being over-smart then you can go. I am saying this on air.”
Following a commercial break, Shoaib apologised to the other panel members and announced his resignation from PTV Sports, stating that he could not continue due to the manner in which he had been treated on national television.
Subsequently, the PTV issued a Rs100 million recovery notice to Shoaib in relation to the incident and his resignation. Shoaib described the move as disappointing and said he would contest the matter legally.
Shoaib Akhtar clocked the fastest delivery in cricketing history at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) during a 2003 World Cup match versus England – a speed record that stands unbeaten.
